by Anna Lewis
She quickly turned around right before letting herself out. Too quickly, perhaps as she suddenly found her face inches away from his, her nose catching a whiff of his manly scent. It made her heady and giddy at the same time. Her heart pounded harder.
He didn’t step back. He looked into her eyes.
She cleared her throat a little before speaking. “I’m sorry, I just wanted to say thank you and you won’t regret this decision. We always go the extra mile for all our clients.”
He smiled. “I know,” he said matter-of-factly. “I’ve done my research. Your company has great potential and I like that you’ve got such fire in your belly to make it big.”
Tasha was pleasantly surprised at the comment. “Thanks. I’ll take that as a compliment.”
“It is a compliment,” he said, his voice dropping to a whisper.
She smiled rather shyly. “Thanks too for the ride and going to all that trouble to have me here in style.”
“It’s my pleasure,” he replied.
She found herself taking a step back just to breathe easier. Their close proximity was making her all hot and cold at the same time.
His cellphone rang, thankfully breaking the awkward moment.
Tasha wanted to slip away already, but couldn’t since they had not formally and officially parted ways yet.
As he listened to the speaker on the other line, he held up his index finger to signal for her to wait a while.
She nodded and smiled, looking unruffled on the exterior. But inside, she was going crazy with possibilities, both for her business and about this guy.
Alex would die of envy! She thought amused as she recalled all her new experiences that day, ending with this encounter with none other than the Bret Walton.
About a minute later, he put the phone down and motioned for her to follow him out the door and across the hallway toward the elevator where his assistant was waiting. It was the same woman who’d been with her earlier.
Tasha smiled at the middle-aged brunette, who gave her a friendly smile in return.
“The plane is ready, sir,” she said once they were all inside the elevator.
Tasha wanted to know what was going on, but she didn’t dare ask.
“Good,” Bret said. Then turning to Tasha, he said with a grin, “I’m going to Solvang with you.”
Tasha’s jaw almost dropped open. She bit her lip to keep from screaming.
* * *
“Someday soon, I’m going to marry you and move here with you and have kids here with you,” he whispered in her ear, making her heart race. His short beard and the stubbles on his cheeks tickled her skin.
She giggled as the two of them strolled down the Scandinavian-inspired street, holding hands while admiring the beautiful scenery.
“This place is amazing, Carter,” she told him, looking around in awe. “I would love to have a family here with you.”
He grinned, his kind chocolate brown eyes looking at her lovingly. He squeezed her hand. “It will happen soon, you’ll see.”
They had gone on that side trip one Saturday to celebrate their second anniversary as a couple. It was only a day trip, as the hotel rates were quite expensive. But they didn’t care. What mattered was they got to spend a whole day exploring the town together.
Arriving back to Solvang with a man had jogged Tasha’s memory, bringing up that particular recollection, another of the sweetest yet most painful memories of her life.
They never seem to go away, she thought bitterly as she looked out the window of the limousine at the charming, colorful houses zipping by.
If you wanted them to remain buried, why did you move to this town? The nagging voice came to her out of nowhere. She pushed it away irritably.
“Are you okay?”
Tasha snapped back to reality and the man sitting beside her on the limo’s plush leather sofa. It hit her again. Shit, I’m with a good-looking billionaire and my mind’s wandering off to a fucked up memory I can’t seem to forget. I must be insane.
“I’m good, thanks,” she answered politely with a smile. “Just glad to be back.”
“So tell me…” he said, initiating conversation again. “Why did you decide to live here?”
The question caught her off guard. Immediately, a picture of her ex-boyfriend came up in her head. But she discarded it as soon as it came.
Soon she was once again conversing with Bret as if the two of them were old friends. It was just like the easy banter they’d had while enjoying late lunch on his private plane. What a fairytale day it had been!
Instead of being dropped off home, Tasha found herself at the poshest hotel in town, Windmill Premier Hotel, which she discovered had recently been bought by Walton Enterprises.
“I want to preserve the classic Danish feel, but would like to incorporate modern-day amenities too,” Bret shared after explaining his intentions of renovating the place. “What do you think?”
Tasha was taken aback by the question. He was actually asking for her opinion. She remembered the complaints she’d heard from recent guests. The hotel, despite its upkeep, was lagging behind on facilities and services that most modern hotels offered nowadays.
“It’s a wonderful idea!” she told him. She proceeded to share what she’d been hearing from tourists lately and the reviews she had seen online.
“Hhmmm… thanks for the helpful feedback, Tasha.”
He called me by my first name! She screamed in her head.
He gave her a worried look then. “I hope that’s okay with you… for me to call you ‘Tasha’?”
“It’s fine, of course,” she quickly responded.
He grinned. “Great.”
Since she didn’t have anything else planned for the day, she accepted his invitation to stay longer and simply observe things around the hotel. She was a little disappointed when he had to leave her to an assistant, Millie, while he met up with some colleagues. Nevertheless, she had to admit it was secretly exciting to have someone at her beck and call.
After spending hours exploring the hotel, talking to the staff, and even trying out the services (including a relaxing spa massage and the snack buffet), Tasha was more than ready to call it a day. She was enjoying all the freebies, but had finally run out of energy.
Her phone beeped. It was a private chat message from someone named Amy Quinn. She was just about to reply when a follow-up message informed her that this woman was working for the giant sports retail company MileRun. Her heartbeat quickened.
“Oh, my God,” she whispered, making Millie turn around.
“Everything okay, Madame?” The red-haired woman asked with concern.
“Everything is so damn fine,” Tasha answered, feeling as if she was on cloud nine.
She’d just been granted another appointment for the following week. If she closed this deal too, her company would rise up the ranks and make her a true success.
It must be my lucky day, she thought excitedly.
Then she noticed Bret, the striking image of a tall businessman in a navy suit, sauntering toward her. His confident stride and powerful aura made people stop and stare, including her.
When he stopped in front of her, she felt her breath catch in her throat, not knowing what to anticipate next.
“Would you care to join me for dinner, Tasha?” He asked with an expectant twinkle in his eyes.
Yes, it really is my extraordinarily lucky day, Tasha thought.
He was a true gentleman throughout the night. She was pleased to discover how easy he was to talk to despite his wealthy upbringing and current position. It felt natural to become friends with him (and to crush on him too).
She didn’t want to feel overly full, so she had chosen to eat a light salad for dinner. It was a shame, though, because he’d brought her to the top-floor fine dining restaurant of the hotel and it was famous for its lamb chops and steaks.
They had the balcony all to themselves, the candles on the table and the soft music playing in
the background creating a romantic atmosphere that made the evening even more like a fantasy for Tasha.
“I feel like I’ve known you all my life,” Bret commented at one point during their conversation.
Tasha was flattered and speechless. He was a natural charmer.
He leaned closer to her across the table. “If it’s not too much to ask, would you gave me a tour of the town? I’ve decided to stick around and check it out some more. Seems like a fascinating place.”
“It is,” Tasha agreed at once, smiling.
“I’ll pay for your time, of course,” he added quickly.
“Oh, no, that won’t be necessary,” Tasha replied. “I always love touring newcomers around here, even though I’ve only lived here for a year.”
“Thanks, but I insist on paying.”
Tasha was silent for a moment. Then she thought of an ex-deal. “Okay, fine. You can pay me, but on one condition.”
“What’s that?”
She grinned mischievously. “I choose where we’ll go and what we’ll do,” she said in a challenging tone. “No buts.”
“Deal,” he said, grinning back. “Can’t wait.”
* * *
The following morning, Tasha met up with Bret at a local park, all clad in her black and olive green biking attire. Clutching her helmet, she approached the young billionaire full of sunny cheerfulness.
“So…” Bret said as he jogged toward her in a pricey-looking sports ensemble. “Cycling day, huh?”
“Yep,” Tasha said. “It’s the best way to see the beauty of the countryside.”
“I haven’t had much practice lately, but I’m up for the challenge.”
Tasha grinned. She knew this man worked out like crazy, just by looking at his biceps and bulky chest. But she also knew from her previous night’s research that he wasn’t too fond of outdoor activities.
“You’re crazy for choosing something he probably won’t like!” Alex had told her that morning. “What if he cancels your deal?”
Tasha had been worried for a short while, but she felt that someone like Bret Walton wouldn’t do such a thing over a silly cycling tour he might not appreciate.
“He won’t,” she’d simply answered.
To her surprise, Bret had Millie with him. She greeted Tasha with a smile and handed a topnotch mountain bike, a matching helmet, and a small water pack to her boss.
“Thanks, Millie,” Bret said before turning to Tasha again. “I’m ready, Miss Winters.”
That morning, as Tasha led him through the scenic fields of the town’s outskirts and across beautiful greeneries, she noticed a Mercedes Benz van following from behind.
When they stopped to rest, she pointed it out to Bret. “I’m betting my life that’s yours.”
He chuckled, shrugging. “My personal care team insisted. I had to beg them not to bring the chopper along.”
Tasha almost laughed, but then she realized he must be serious. “Personal care team, huh…” she commented.
“Yeah, that’s how a billionaire rolls.” He joked. If she hadn’t known he was so used to these things, she would have been turned off by the arrogance in his tone.
Later she discovered just what he meant. The huge van was fully equipped with a wardrobe change that included his stylist, complete medical supplies for emergencies that went with an actual doctor, and snacks and drinks prepared by a world-class chef. It even came with its own bathroom!
She had to admit it was truly a convenient way to explore the outdoors while having modern comforts within reach at all times. Personally, she preferred to “rough it up”, but she didn’t say that to Bret.
As they neared lunch time, Tasha told him it was just a few minutes’ ride to a local tourist village where they could stop to eat.
“I’m famished,” he said. He checked his cellphone, which was strapped to his arm. After a while, he said, “How about we stop by Summer Nut and Berry Farm?”
Tasha had never been there but she knew it was just around the corner. “Sure,” she agreed.
They pedaled toward the right and soon saw the large sign for the lovely farm. Stepping inside, she immediately loved the rustic yet homey decor and the small wooden café with hand-painted walls and flowered windowsills.
There was an entourage awaiting their arrival. It seemed like the entire staff of the café had gone to a lot of trouble for this special lunch that was supposedly unplanned.
She threw Bret a questioning look. He simply winked at her, which made her insides soar.
The whole place had been reserved for them and they enjoyed a hearty lunch in the cafe’s terrace overlooking the fields of nuts and berries.
Tasha was blown away. This was just a tiny glimpse of the lifestyle of the rich and famous and she was loving every minute of it.
After lunch, she and Bret had fun picking blackberries and raspberries to take home.
His strong arms wrapped around her waist as she placed more berries in her basket. The sound of her laughter echoed over the fields. He turned her around gently and kissed her on the lips.
Tasha couldn’t help remembering her berry-picking activity with Carter many years ago. He seemed to be everywhere, even in the midst of a happy moment with another man.
She frowned and shook her head, literally trying to push the memory away. Somehow, being with Bret was triggering a lot of these unwanted memories.
Over the years, she had dated a few men but had never felt connected with them in the way she was fast becoming drawn to this man. It was strange, but beautiful. Maybe it’s also the reason she kept seeing the ghost of the past.
As she bent down to pick another bunch of blackberries, she felt Bret’s presence right behind her. He bent beside her and wrapped her hand in his, taking the berries along with her hand and gently placing them in the basket she was carrying.
She was left staring at him, not knowing what to say. He stood there quietly, just gazing into her eyes.
She could feel a warm tingling starting inside her body and spreading across her limbs. She yearned to be kissed, to be touched again by a man she truly wanted.
Her eyes shifted boldly to his lips. Picturing how it would feel to have those lips on hers, her blood rushed and electricity seemed to pass through her entire body.
“Mr. Walton!” Somebody called, breaking the growing sexual tension in the air.
They both turned around. Tasha felt annoyed as she watched one of his assistants hurrying forward.
“What is it?” Bret asked, his tone traced with impatience and irritation.
“I’m sorry, sir,” the man said. “Your European partners have arrived at the Hotel earlier than we anticipated. They are waiting for you right now.”
“I see,” Bret said curtly. “We’ll head there now.”
“Yes, sir.”
He gave Tasha an apologetic look.
“It’s okay, I understand,” Tasha said immediately. “That’s business. And you’ve got a worldwide empire to run, after all.”
He still looked annoyed. “I’ll make it up to you,” he promised. “Thank you so much for your time, Tasha. I will make sure you still get paid for the whole day.”
“Oh, no need,” Tasha replied. “And don’t bother driving me back. It’s fine. I want to ride my bike home.”
“Are you sure?” He looked concerned.
“Absolutely.”
He squeezed her hands and for a while seemed to be contemplating on whether to kiss her or not. Then he turned around and left without another word.
* * *
“So what happened? Did he kiss you?” Alex was eager to know.
Tasha laughed at her best friend’s excited face. “No. It’s just been what? Five days since we met?”
“So what?” Alex countered, frowning.
“So… I don’t even know if he’s interested in that way,” Tasha said.
The two of them sat in Paul’s Pancakes that Sunday, digging into delicious burgers and pancakes w
ith milkshakes. Alex was on break and it had become a habit for Tasha to drop by every Sunday for lunch with her.
“The two of you have been together almost every day the past week! I can’t believe nothing has happened!” Alex exclaimed.
“Maybe he’s conservative?” Tasha suggested.
“I don’t think so.”
Tasha shrugged. “Maybe it’s because we’re always surrounded by his entourage or staff or whatever you call them.”
“He would have planned for time alone with you if he wanted to.”
“Exactly,” Tasha said, feeling a bit disappointed. “Maybe he’s just not interested.”
“Or he’s got a lot on his mind,” Alex mused. “He’s also attending to these European business partners, right? Either he’s busy or you’re sending him the wrong signals, Tasha.”
“It doesn’t matter,” Tasha said nonchalantly. “I mean, I’m not really after having any kind of relationship with him. Besides, I don’t even know how I feel about him. It’s all too soon to tell, I guess.”
“Yeah, I guess,” Alex agreed. “But did you ever get to go to the vineyards or ride horses and watch the sunset on a hilltop?”
Tasha shook her head. “He’s been having a lot of spontaneous meetings.”
“Too bad,” Alex said. “Those activities were bound to lead to a kiss or even more!”
Tasha wanted to laugh, but then she recalled sharing some very romantic moments with her ex-boyfriend eight years ago when they had visited Solvang. Alex had no idea she was still not completely over him. Even she found it hard to believe.
Alex was already chattering about her own budding affair with a cute tourist who’s been hanging out at Paul’s lately. Tasha tried to focus on her story instead, but from time to time, a picture of Carter appeared in her thoughts, making her feel queasy.
Late that afternoon, after shopping for a dress to wear for dinner, Tasha got a call from Amy Quinn of MileRun. Unfortunately, their meeting to discuss Tasha’s proposal was cancelled.
Tasha felt disappointed, but at least the woman said she would contact her again soon to reschedule.