Walking out of the bed and breakfast and down the street toward Lahaina, she heard a ruckus at the redbrick church on the corner. She glanced over, expecting to see the local boys on their skateboards. When she saw Beckham laughing with some tween boys as they coached him on how to ride one of those crazy Ripstiks, she wished she’d brought her camera along.
She stopped and watched, hoping none of them would look over. Beckham was an art form with his t-shirt clinging to his body as he swiveled his hips to keep the board in motion. The definition in his chest, shoulders, and arms was impressive. Alyssa told herself she was just appreciating the human body like any photographer would do, but this seemed a bit more personal. She was gawking at him because he was not only all man, he had a huge smile and was obviously interacting with these boys on their level.
Beckham ran into the curb and jumped clear of the Ripstik. He threw back his head and laughed and all the boys joined in, chortling and making fun of his crash. Beckham turned and focused right on Alyssa.
She gasped and took a step back. He raised a hand and offered her a friendly smile. She smiled back and waved quickly before striding off down the street. First, she turned him down because she couldn’t handle the thought of being alone with a strange man and now she gaped openly at him like a teenage stalker. Her neck was burning hot as she snuck one more glance and found that he was still watching her.
The next morning, Alyssa gave herself the day off from running and walked to Maulaka Beach so she could photograph the ocean, trees, and turtles. It was pure enjoyment to click some outdoor pictures in the pre-morning light. The pictures she sold were always of people, but it was fun to experiment with landscapes and animals sometimes. How she wished she could’ve captured those boys and Beckham yesterday. That kind of human interaction was exactly what she thrived on, not to mention she’d love to have a picture of Beckham for herself. She didn’t know if she would’ve dared sell them though. As a photographer she could photograph anyone and everyone who was in a public place, but she’d already taken pictures of Beckham she wasn’t proud of. She didn’t want to have any other pictures to make him think she was paparazzi if he ever got to know her and put two and two together.
She came back to the outdoor breakfast early and thought she’d be able to enjoy the spread alone, but Beckham was already seated at one of the tables. She was tempted to smile and rush past, maybe come back to eat later, but when he glanced up and grinned at her it was like a cord drew her right in. She nodded to him and went to fill her plate with fruit, granola, and yogurt.
Encouraged by his warm look and the hope that he really wasn’t like the wealthy men her dad pushed on her, she walked straight to his table and asked, “Is this seat taken?”
“All the other tables are full?” Beck’s wide grin tempered the teasing.
Alyssa laughed. “Guess I deserved that.”
Beck stood and took her plate from her hands, brushing her fingers in the process. Tingles shot through Alyssa. She swallowed and could hardly think straight. He set the plate down and then pulled out her chair. “Please, sit with me.”
Alyssa felt a jolt of nerves as a flashback came. She couldn’t even remember the man’s name or what he looked like except for greased black hair, but she could smell his spicy cologne and the way he’d asked her to please, sit with me, before he pulled her onto his lap. She’d been sixteen and it was one of her dad’s dinner parties. Taking a long breath, she reminded herself they were in a semi-public place and Beckham seemed like a really nice guy. He wasn’t going to make any untoward advances when one of the other guests or Jerry could come to breakfast any time.
“Thanks,” she murmured.
She sat and started eating her yogurt slowly, wondering how to start up a conversation. “Did you have a nice first day on the island?” she finally asked.
Beckham’s face lit up. “It was great. Some boys taught me to Ripstik.”
Alyssa blushed, knowing he’d seen her there.
“Then I found a great place to surf on the northwest end.”
“Sounds… great.” She almost rolled her eyes when she imitated the adjective he’d already used twice.
“Do you like to surf?” he asked.
Alyssa wondered how to answer that. She would love to try to surf, but with her foot her balance was too far off. “Um, I bodysurf or boogie board.”
“Maybe I could teach you.”
His blue eyes were so full of hope. She’d shot him down yesterday to tour the island together, and although she wasn’t ready to break her rule about being alone with a man she didn’t know, she hated to tell him no again. Maryn would probably tell her to break the rule she’d made after her dad forced her into a car alone with one of his politician friends. She’d been seventeen and terrified as the man clasped his long fingers around her thigh. Luckily, she’d been able to get out at a stop light and run until Maryn found her.
“Ally-girl. Hello!”
Alyssa’s head jerked up. That voice could only be one person. Granny Ellie rounded the corner of the building on Jerry’s arm. Jerry pulled several designer pieces of luggage. They both grinned as they saw Alyssa and Beckham seated together. Alyssa jumped to her feet and ran the few steps to wrap her tiny grandmother in her arms. Worry swept over Alyssa. Was Granny too thin? Her grandmother had fought and won against breast cancer eight years ago, but Alyssa always worried that it would come back. Plus, Granny was getting up in years, any number of things could rob Alyssa of the only family member who loved her unconditionally. Hugging her grandmother, she was safe. The feeling of coming home was overshadowed by knowing Beckham watched and would soon meet her grandmother, who’d never tried to install a filter between her thoughts and her words.
Jerry swept past them. “I’ll just take your luggage upstairs.”
“Thanks, Jerry, you’re a gem.”
“Granny?” Alyssa finally managed. “What are you doing here?”
“Idaho’s too cold this time of year. Your emails made me worry about my lonely little girl, so I caught a plane.” She tapped Alyssa’s cheek with her palm. “You look gorgeous, love, but are you so tired of being alone?”
Alyssa glanced to Beckham. He met her gaze then took a drink of his juice.
“Just lonely for you,” Alyssa said.
“Ha! I know you’re too busy for this old lady. Don’t worry, Jerry has a room for me, I’ll enjoy the island and you can fit me in during your spare time.” She walked purposefully toward Beckham, tugging Alyssa along. “Who is this?”
Beckham stood and extended his hand, completely engulfing Granny’s fingers with his own. Two feet taller and with all those nicely-formed muscles, the contrast between Beckham and her petite grandmother would make an unreal photograph.
“I’m Beck,” he offered.
Granny held onto his hand and tilted her head to the side. “Alyssa’s friend? Boyfriend? Fiancé?” She paused and winked. “Make-out buddy?”
“Granny! We haven’t even really met.” How embarrassing. Granny would have to throw in the make-out buddy. Did she even know what that meant?
“Not officially anyway,” Beck said with a smile.
“Oh, so you’re free? You ever heard of a cougar?” Granny Ellie made a sound that was somewhere between a meow and a growl and batted her fake eyelashes at him.
“Granny!” Alyssa wanted to go bury herself in the sand.
Beck laughed. “It’s nice to meet you, Mrs…”
“Ms. Armsworth. Recently widowed. You can call me Ellie.”
“Oh, I’m sorry to hear about your husband, Ellie.”
She waved a hand. “It’s all right. I liked him, but once you bury four you start getting a little calloused. That’s why I’m looking for a younger man.” She winked obnoxiously.
Alyssa narrowed her eyes. She knew Granny had loved and mourned each of her husbands. What was she playing at?
“And this is my gorgeous, talented, and oh so sweet, granddaughter, Alyssa.”
Alyssa scowled at her.
“What?” Granny raised her shoulders. “You said you hadn’t met. Now use those manners I taught you.”
Alyssa rolled her eyes and extended her hand. “Alyssa Armsworth. It’s nice to meet you.”
Beck took her hand between both of his and looked deeply into her eyes. “The pleasure is mine.”
Oh, my. She felt like she was a princess and he was the knight coming to formerly court her. Granny cackled and rubbed her small hands together. “This is going to be fun.” She linked an arm through Alyssa’s elbow and held her other hand out to Beck. “So, kids, how are you going to entertain an old lady today?”
“Granny!” Alyssa shook her head and met Beck’s amused glance. “I’m sorry,” she told him. “I’m sure you have plans.”
“I promised myself I’d try to sit on the beach, but it would be much more fun with you two.”
“Oh, yes it would.” Granny cocked her head to the side and gave his hand a squeeze. “I tell you what. Let’s go down to Ka’anapali Beach and rent us some nice lounge chairs and shade. We’ll watch the whales and the waves, I’ll take a nap to get over this jet lag, and you and Alyssa can get to know each other better.”
“Great idea.” Beck’s smile swung from Granny to Alyssa. “Let me go put on a swimsuit.”
“We’ll meet you back here in a few minutes.” Granny said. She waited until he walked away and then grinned at Alyssa. “Seeing that man in a swimsuit will be worth the six hour redeye.”
“Granny,” Alyssa protested half-heartedly. She couldn’t hold in a laugh, agreeing with Granny’s desire to see Beckham in a suit. A picture formed in her mind and she started to salivate. Too bad she didn’t dare bring her camera.
Beck ran up the stairs to his room. His stomach bubbled with nervous anticipation. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d been this excited. Alyssa was beautiful and intriguing and her grandmother was hilarious.
He had promised himself he’d sit on the beach, so he hadn’t lied to Ellie. Going to the beach with Alyssa and her feisty grandmother was perfect. Tomorrow he planned to meet with some youth coordinators for a troubled teen program in the morning then finally locate the photographer, A.A. Beck had been able to trace the photographer to Maui and found a gallery showing he was going to appear at. Beck wanted to convince the guy to join forces with him and hopefully get him to leave the privileged shores of Maui and go to some developing nations to photograph and help spread the word about children in need. Beck needed this break from his usual reality and finding A.A. would be a huge boost to his efforts. Meeting someone like Alyssa was a bonus he never planned on.
He changed into his swimsuit and pulled a T-shirt over his scarred torso. How would Alyssa react when she saw how abused his body looked? The standard cover story would have to work—too many hits from hockey. He wondered if he’d ever reveal the true story to Alyssa, but quickly forced the idea from his brain. He hardly knew her.
Beck offered to drive and Alyssa barely hid her surprise that his rental car was a Hyundai Elantra. It was hard to believe that a guy this genuine could be a multi-millionaire, or as some sources claimed, a billionaire. Maybe Maryn was right and Beck was kind and down-to-earth. Alyssa almost wasn’t afraid for him to see her foot or to be alone with him. They parked at the Marriott and if he noticed her limping toward the beach he didn’t say anything. He escorted Granny Ellie on his arm and it was so cute to see the tiny woman beaming up at him and saying all manner of things to embarrass and endear herself to him as only her Granny could do. Beck rented three chaise lounges and two umbrellas. They sat down and Alyssa debated when to take her tennis shoes off. It probably looked awkward with her swimsuit and sarong, but she wasn’t ready to see the look of disgust, compassion, or whatever would be on Beck’s face when he caught a glimpse of her foot.
After less than a minute, Granny Ellie announced, “Well, this relaxing has been delightful, but it’s time for me to shop.”
Alyssa and Beck both stood.
“Where are we going shopping?” Alyssa asked, wishing she could sit back down and get to know Beck a little better.
“Not we, me.” Granny jabbed a finger at herself, eyes twinkling. “You two adorable people are going to cozy up and get to know each other. I’m going to walk to Whaler’s Square and spend some of my money and scope out the men. There are bound to be some handsome Tongans in Hawaii.” She winked.
Oh, Granny. The woman was addicted to checking out men, especially Tongan men who reminded her of her second husband, Hubba Bubba. Beck chuckled and Alyssa loved the deep, mellow sound of it. It was such a relief he seemed to be enjoying her grandmother. Some people got offended by Granny, but Alyssa just loved her.
“I hate to have you go alone,” Alyssa protested feebly. She did want to be with Granny, but Beck was so intriguing. They were in a very public place so she could get to know him without breaking her rule of not being alone with a man she didn’t know. It was perfect, but should she really let Granny go alone? They hadn’t even had a chance to talk and Alyssa didn’t know how Granny’s health was faring.
Granny waved her off. “I’ll bring back ice cream. What’s your flavor?” she asked Beck.
“Anything that has fruit or nuts.”
“Did he just say I’m fruity and nuts?” Ellie winked at Alyssa.
Beck laughed and leaned back against the cushioned chair.
“I know your flavor,” Granny said to Alyssa, “Chocolate, chocolate, and more chocolate.”
“Some things never change.” It meant so much that Granny did know. If someone asked one of Alyssa’s parents they’d probably be shocked she dared eat fattening ice cream. Her mom worked most of her life to keep her girlish figure and try to keep her dad interested and her dad only thought of women as objects who had to look perfect to be worthwhile.
Granny waved and toddled off. Alyssa was saddened to notice how slow she moved. Maybe she was just worn out from the plane ride. Granny had been such a wonderful part of Alyssa’s life, she hoped she’d have years before Granny passed away and left her behind.
“Ellie’s great,” Beck said.
“She’s been there for me through a lot.” Alyssa realized she didn’t want to explain that one if he asked so she hurried on, “She always makes me laugh. Sorry about the cougar comment.”
“I didn’t know whether to laugh or run.” He winked.
Alyssa’s throat went dry. Did she tell him thank you for not running and beg him to never run from them? Wow. She was getting more than a little ahead of herself, but that wink and the sensual look in those blue eyes had her head spinning.
They sat in silence for a few minutes, listening to the waves break and watching two little boys pack sand into a lopsided castle. Several groups of whales spouted off the nearby coastline of Lanai then dove and waved goodbye with their tails.
“What was Ellie saying about how talented you are?” Beck asked.
“Granny likes to brag about me. I’m not that talented. Do you want to walk down and test the water?”
“Um, sure.” His face filled with confusion, but he didn’t question her further. She really didn’t want to tell him she was a photographer, not yet.
They both stood. She untied her sarong and sat it on the chair while he slipped off his flip-flops. She looked at his t-shirt and caught him glancing at her shoes at the same time.
“Do you want to get your shoes wet?”
She took a deep breath. “Do you want your t-shirt soggy?”
He inhaled sharply then smiled. His ruggedly handsome face made her lean against the lounge for support.
“I’ll take off my t-shirt if you take off your shoes.”
She studied him for a second, sensing he was as uncomfortable taking off his t-shirt as she was removing her shoes and socks. Finally, she nodded. “On the count of three.”
His smile grew. “One, two, three.”
She bent down and unlaced her shoes while he tugged his
shirt over his head and dropped it on his chair. She paused to look up, gasping at the breadth and sculpture of his chest, shoulders, and arms. “Did hockey do that to you?”
Oh, crap! He’d never told her he played hockey. She needed to remember what info he’d actually told her and what she knew from Maryn’s files.
He pointed to several vicious scars on his chest and abdomen. “Yep.”
“Oh, I didn’t mean those, I meant the, um, muscles.” She blushed in embarrassment and returned to removing her shoes, grateful he hadn’t called her on the slip.
His deep chuckle brought her head up. “Thanks for noticing the muscle before the scars.”
“Any woman would.” She immediately reddened and focused on pulling off her socks. Standing, she walked toward the water, her limp much more pronounced without her inserts. She jabbed her foot into the squishy sand with each step, the granules almost covered her partially-formed right foot.
Beck quickly reached her side and held onto her elbow, steadying her. She glanced up at him, appreciating his warm touch. “Thank you.”
“Sure. Do you mind me asking what happened?”
“Birth defect.” Had any man ever cared about what happened to her foot? Most had ignored it or tried to ignore it. Her dad had paid for numerous surgeries to fix the defect but when you were born without your fourth and fifth toe and a third of your foot, it was pretty hard to implant that.
“Thank you for taking your shoes off,” he whispered next to her ear.
Alyssa turned, his face was close as he bent toward her, and she focused on how well-formed his lips were, shapely and intriguing. She trailed her gaze from his face down to his muscular shoulders and blushed again. “Thank you for taking your shirt off.”
He chuckled and they walked straight into the water. It was a little cool, but still felt wonderful with the warm sun overhead. Alyssa couldn’t believe how understanding and gracious Beck had been about her foot. He hadn’t seemed embarrassed for her or embarrassed to be with her.
The Resilient One: A Billionaire Bride Pact Romance Page 3