by Jenna Brandt
“Yep, that’s the one. I hoped you didn’t know about it.”
“I didn’t read it if that helps.”
“Not even after your friend told you about it or when you agreed to go out with me?” he asked with surprise.
She shook her head. “No, I figured I would get to know you on my own. I didn’t want a magazine telling me what to think about you.”
“I have to admit, that’s a relief. If I had known what a problem it would be, I would have never done the stupid interview.”
“Well, I’m sure the attention will die down after a while. People are fickle.”
He let out a sigh. “What a welcome relief that will be.”
His past intrigued Lana. Did he come from money or was he self-made?
“What about you? Are you close to your family? Do they live nearby?”
“My Dad does. He lives in Queens, which is where I grew up.”
“What about your Mom? Do you have siblings?” Lana probed.
This time, there was a long pause before he responded. “No siblings; I’m an only child.” He licked his lips before he added, “My mom died. Now, it’s just me and my dad. I visit him as much as I can.”
Lana’s heart filled with compassion for him. She was so close to her parents. She had no idea how she would handle it if one of them passed away.
“I’m so sorry. I wouldn’t have pried if I had known.”
“That’s okay. It’s hard to talk about, but I want you to get to know me.”
Bryce turned down a dirt road, and a few moments later, he inquired, “You’re not afraid of heights, are you?”
“No, why do you ask?”
“Look just past the trees on your left,” he stated as an orange hot-air balloon came into view.
“We’re going up in that?” she asked with a mixture of excitement and fear.
“We sure are. Have you ever been?”
She shook her head. “I’ve always wanted to, and I read it’s especially pretty during fall when the leaves are changing.”
“I read that somewhere too,” Bryce stated as he parked the car near the balloon.
Next to the hot-air balloon was a man with a black jacket and hat on. He came up to the car and took the keys from Bryce. “Hello, Mr. Montgomery. I’ll drive the car over to your destination where Joseph is waiting with the other car. Do you need me to stay there or should I head back into the city?”
“No, once you deliver the car, you’re free for the evening, Mark. Thank you.”
The man got in the Maserati and took off out of sight.
“Who was that?” Lana asked with curiosity.
“That was my chauffeur, Mark. He takes care of my cars and also drives me in the city when I need him to.”
Of course, he has a chauffeur. What a stupid question, Lana chastised herself. Why do I keep forgetting he’s a billionaire?
Because he didn’t act like one, or at least what she thought a billionaire would act like. Bryce was easy to speak to, dressed like an average guy, and tried to get to know her. So far, he had impressed her and she grew increasingly curious about the man behind the money.
“Welcome, Mr. Montgomery, Miss Collins,” the hot-air balloon operator stated with a grin. “If you will both step right inside, we can get ready for the flight.”
Both Bryce and Lana entered the balloon's basket. Inside, there was a bottle of iced champagne in a container along with various cheeses, crackers and chocolate covered strawberries sitting on a silver tray.
“Wow, you planned all of this?” Lana asked, marveling at the effort he made to make their first date special.
“I did. I’ve always wanted to go up in one of these but wanted to share the experience with the right person.” He looked over at her and smiled. “I think I finally have.”
Lana’s heart quickened at the revealing comment. It surprised her to admit it, but it made her feel giddy to hear him say it.
The fire above kicked on and released heat into the balloon. They ascended into the air at a steady pace, and soon the world was below them.
They both looked out at the vast blue sky ahead of them for several moments before Lana broke the silence. “It feels like we’re floating.” She glanced down at the speckled ground of trees filled with colors of orange, brown, and yellow. “I’ve never seen anything more beautiful,” she added.
“Me either,” Bryce agreed.
Lana looked over at him and noticed he wasn’t looking at the natural wonders around them, but rather straight at her.
“When the sunlight caresses your skin and causes your eyes to sparkle like that, it’s the most breathtaking sight.”
This time, Lana felt like her heart would jump out of her chest. Her eyes met his, and she saw the desire there, and though she wasn’t the type of girl who kissed on the first date, she could feel her own stir inside.
Quickly, she averted her eyes, breaking the moment between them. Her eyes fell to the tray of food next to her. She picked up a strawberry and took a bite. The sweet juice mixed with the chocolate tickled her taste buds.
“Would you like champagne?” Bryce offered her a glass.
“I don’t drink alcohol often, but I think it’s okay if it’s just a little,” she said, taking the offering.
Bryce reached out his own glass to hers. “Let’s drink to a wonderful time together.”
Lana nodded her head, then clicked her glass against his. “To a wonderful time,” she echoed.
They both took a small sip of the drink before turning back to take in the view once more. On the horizon, Lana could see the ocean coming into focus just beyond the trees as the late afternoon sun made its descent. The blue of the water contrasted beautifully against the fall colors of the tree tops.
The balloon touched down on a stretch of sand near the ocean on the outskirts of a seaport town.
Bryce helped her out of the basket, then suggested as he held out his hand, “Would you care to walk along the water’s edge before dinner.”
“That sounds lovely,” she agreed as she took his hand.
They walked along the sandy shore and watched as children played, birds flew down and swooped out fish from the water, and the sun kissed the edge of the horizon. The sky was bursting with an array of colors. The pinks, purples, and oranges bounced around the sky as the sun tucked itself in for the night.
“I had hoped to get here in time to watch the sunset with you over the ocean.”
“I’ve never been to the ocean,” Lana confessed.
“Never?” Bryce asked in shock.
“Well, growing up in the Midwest, we took a lot of our vacations in that area. The farthest I ever went was to the Great Lakes one summer.”
“What do you think of the ocean?”
“It’s the most magnificent sight I’ve ever laid eyes on. I can’t believe how far it stretches.”
“When I was a child, my parents would bring me to this beach for a week each July. I used to think the water had no end. The first time I flew across it as an adult, a small part of me still wondered if there would be land on the other side of the Atlantic.”
Lana laughed and shook her head. “I can just imagine you staring out the window of the airplane, overtaken by a look of disappointment when you saw the first glimpse of land.”
“That about sums it up,” Bryce confirmed, before gesturing towards a glowing restaurant just on the other side of the beach. “We need to head up this way.”
“Where are you taking me?” Lana inquired.
“The Sea Escape. It’s my favorite restaurant here in Braxton.”
Once inside the restaurant, the hostess escorted them up two flights of stairs and through two French doors which lead onto an open roof deck. In the center, there was a table set for two with a vase of pink peonies surrounded by candles.
“You arranged all of this?” Lana marveled. “It's truly fabulous how beautiful this is.”
Bryce held out her chair before going around t
o the other side and sitting down. “I’m glad you like it. They have a wonderful surf and turf special for two here. I was wondering if you would like to share it?”
“I’m guessing you’ve shared it with a lot of women you’ve brought here?” Lana inquired as she peeked over the menu at him.
He shook his head, saddened she was under the impression he had a revolving door of women at his disposal. “On the contrary, you are the first person I’ve ever brought here. I used to come to this place with my parents. They shared the special. They’ve kept it on the menu for as far back as I can remember.”
Lana’s cheeks tinged with pink as she averted her eyes. “I’m sorry. It was rude of me to assume otherwise. Please forgive me.”
“No, I mean considering the list and the flurry it’s caused, I can understand why you would jump to that conclusion. But it’s important you know it’s not the case. I’m not a serial dater. I never have been.”
“Well, that's a relief. I’m not one either.” She took a sip of her tea before continuing. “So, you mentioned how you started your business, but you never explained how Blaze and Graze turned into Titan Enterprises.”
“I started out developing apps, then branched into software. Once I made my first hundred million, I decided it was important to diversify and invested in real estate.”
“What type of real estate?”
He shrugged. “All sorts. I own several apartment buildings, a few hotels, and a couple of restaurants. I also own a charter airline company.”
“Wow, you really did diversify. How do you keep all of that straight?”
He liked how interested she was in him, but he could tell it wasn’t about the money. She seemed genuinely curious about his life.
“Oh, it keeps me busy,” he chuckled. “Thank goodness I have an excellent accountant and business manager.”
A few minutes later, their steak and lobster arrived along with a side of potato puree and green beans almandine.
“This looks delicious,” Lana stated. “Do you mind if I pray first?”
“You’re religious?” Bryce questioned.
“I don’t like the term religious because it’s so much more than that. I believe in Jesus and have a relationship with Him. Is that going to be a problem for you?” she probed.
He hadn’t realized she was, but as he thought about it, the truth sunk in. She reminded him of his mother—a fact he rather liked—and his mother had been a strong Christian.
He shook his head. “No, my parents raised me in a Christian home.”
“Do you go to church now?”
“My work keeps me rather busy. I go on an occasion when I can fit it into my schedule.”
“Well, it’s important to make God and church a priority. You should find the time and come to Journey Church with me sometime.”
“I’ll consider it,” Bryce promised, and as he said the words, he realized he meant them. If church and God made Lana the way she was, it was something worth thinking about reintroducing back into his own life.
Lana said a quick prayer over their meal. They spent the rest of the evening talking about the new apartment building he was finishing, her latest audition, and various plays they both enjoyed. As the meal wrapped up, Bryce found himself not wanting the evening to end, though he knew it must.
“Are you ready for me to drive you home? The car is waiting for us at the valet.”
Lana nodded as Bryce came around the table and helped her from it. He guided her to his Maserati, and they took off down the road leading them back to Manhattan. He turned on jazz music, which filled the car as the night’s cool breeze enfolded them from the open windows.
They arrived back at Lana’s SoHo apartment building where Bryce escorted her to the front door. He wanted to kiss her, but he knew she wasn’t that kind of woman. Instead, he leaned against the doorframe as he drank in her enticing beauty.
“I had a fantastic time today,” Bryce stated. “Will you go out with me again?”
There was a small hesitation before she stated, “That would be nice.”
“I’ll text you to make plans. Goodnight, Lana.”
“Goodnight, Bryce,” she whispered as her eyes met and locked with his for a split second before she turned the key in the lock and let herself into her apartment.
He stood in the hallway, contemplating how much he enjoyed hearing his name escape from her lips. If he didn’t watch out, he would fall hard and fast for Lana Collins.
Celeste was waiting on the couch in the living room when Lana walked inside. She had a look of curiosity on her face as she asked, “How did the date go?”
Lana couldn’t contain the giant smile from spreading across her face. “Amazing. I can’t believe how wonderful he is, and what a great time we had together.”
“Tell me all about it,” Celeste stated as she patted the seat next to her. “I don’t have a dating life to speak of right now, so I need to live vicariously through yours.”
She joined her friend on the couch and pulled her legs up beside her, settling in to tell her the day’s events. By the end of the recount, Celeste was sighing with envy.
“How romantic. I can’t believe he planned all of that for your first date.” Celeste raised one eyebrow as she probed, “Will there be a second date?”
Lana nodded. “He asked right before I came inside. He’s going to text me to make plans.”
“Well, I’m not tired at all. I was just starting The Princess Bride. You care to join me?”
“You know I can’t say ‘no’ to that movie. I can go make the popcorn,” Lana offered.
“I can do it. You’ve had a long day,” Celeste stated as she stood up and walked the short distance into the kitchen. From the other part of the room, she offered, “Do you want me to get you a glass of iced tea while the popcorn is popping?”
“Sure, thanks.”
A few seconds later, Celeste brought two glasses of iced tea and placed them on the coffee table in front of the TV. She went back to the kitchen and returned with a bowl full of popcorn, placing it between them on the couch.
As the friends watched the movie, Lana’s mind kept drifting back to her date with Bryce. She had such a wonderful time with him; however, she reminded herself, many first dates were great but it was what happened further down the line that determined if they could develop a real relationship from it. Though she wanted to trust Bryce’s words and actions, men from the city had hurt her before. Men who preyed on young women who were naïve and unfamiliar with how easy it was to manipulate and lie to them. She didn’t believe Bryce was like that, but she needed to remain cautious until she was certain.
Yet, even as she tried to convince herself to keep her mind from running away with thoughts of him, the moment where they almost kissed on their date wouldn’t stop running through her mind. If he tried to kiss her on their next date, would she let him? What would it be like to have his lips on her own? Would it be warm and soothing, filled with tenderness and promise, or would it be powerful and overwhelming, causing her to tremble with desire?
The sound of the Man in Black screaming, “As you wish,” brought Lana back to the present. She glanced at the screen and watched as Princess Buttercup tumbled down after the man she loved. She wondered what it would feel like to love someone so much she would throw herself down a mountain to be with him. In that moment, Bryce came catapulting back into her brain, and she realized it wouldn’t take much for him to provoke that type of devotion in her.
7
Bryce glanced at his phone for a second time while he waited for his chauffeur to show up with the car. If they didn’t get on the road in the next few minutes, he would be late.
At least he was only meeting Roger for lunch. His friend was often late, but it didn’t keep Bryce from wanting to be on time, especially today when he hoped to get their friendship back on track after the other day. Showing up late wouldn’t be the best start.
“Good, I caught you before you left,�
�� the throaty voice of Gabrielle stated behind him.
Bryce’s stomach clenched with dread as he turned to face her. “What are you doing here? I thought I made it perfectly clear the other night I want nothing more to do with you.”
“You can keep saying that, but I know it’s not true,” she flirted as she moved towards him, placing her hand on his arm. “We belong together.”
“No, we don’t. You were good at manipulating me, using your charms to convince me to stay with you. I was stupid enough to ignore the signs of what you were doing behind my back.”
“You’re wrong. I made a mistake, but I still love you,” she whispered against his ear, “I want you to take me back.”
“I’m not interested,” he said, pulling away from her. “Not now, not ever.”
Her eyes narrowed into slits as she put her hands on her hips. “Is it because of the waitress? A friend told me you went on a date with some bimbo from your restaurant.”
Anger rose in Bryce, causing him to jump to Lana’s defense. “Don’t call her that. You don’t even know her.”
“You’re right. I don’t, but neither do you. How can you be certain she isn't into you because of your money? I’ve got my own money, which is why we’re such a good fit. You never need to worry about that with me.”
“No, I only have to worry about you stepping out on me,” Bryce countered. “I don’t think that’s much of an improvement. Besides, she’s not like that, but I don’t need to justify anything to you. It’s none of your business.”
“You’re wrong,” she declared with frustration. “Everything you do is my business because you’re mine. You’ll never be happy with anyone else, and the sooner you realize that, the better off we’ll both be.”
“It will never happen,” Bryce stated as his driver arrived and opened the car door for him to get in. “I’m moving on with my life and you need to do the same. Please stop contacting me.”
Once inside his vehicle, he let out a sigh of relief. When was Gabrielle going to realize he would never take her back? She did too much damage, and he couldn’t be with someone he couldn’t trust.