“Really, you? Incorrigible and with a temper? I can’t seem to believe that,” she teased.
When he didn’t return her light tone, she added with a serious voice, “Leo, maybe people are intimated by you because they don’t know you. The real you. Maybe all they see is Leo, head of Warwick Group, a multinational company of the most expensive hotels and resorts. Leo in a business suit. Leo, ambitious as he is cutthroat and successful. Maybe they don’t see Leo, the brother, son and friend.”
His features softened and he turned his palm to hold her hand. “Darcey, you’re a breath of fresh air. I wish I met you a long time ago.”
“So you can have at least one best friend?” She giggled.
His eyes held no jest as he gazed at her with a gaze that made her feel like the most desired woman in all of Europe. He inched his face closer. “No, I wouldn’t want you to be my best friend.”
“Oh, so presumptuous of me. Here I was thinking we’re close, but I guess we can’t ever be best friends.” She laughed nervously. His lips were inches away from her face.
As if the evening wasn’t unexpected enough, Leo’s next words filled her with shock.
“It would be quite impossible to be your best friend. Not when I can feel myself falling for you.”
She inhaled sharply. His words shook her very core. It was several long seconds before she could reply. “Le-Leo, you’re one amazing man. No, in fact, you’re one of the best out there.” Her voice shook, she didn’t know how he would take what was coming next. “But, you see, I’ve just had my heart broken. It was a very serious relationship. And—“ She paused, racking her mind desperately for the right thing to say.
He filled in the gap for her. “But you still love him.” He leaned back, but his hand remained holding hers, his face calm.
She could only nod in response, lowering her gaze, afraid the tears would once more betray her real feelings. Finally, she whispered, ”I still love him. He was so good to me. And we were good together.”
If Leo deserved anything, she thought, it was her honesty.
To her surprise, he nodded slightly and gave her a tender smile. “It’s okay, Darcey. I’m willing to wait, to show you that I am serious. Maybe then I can have a chance with you.”
Suddenly, an urgent knock landed on the door. He stood up to see who it was. She was expecting to see Luis. As Leo opened the door to reveal the visitor, a chill cascaded down her spine.
Nathan Cromwell walked in.
“Where’s Darcey?” Nathan demanded, his voice filled with worry as he eyed Leo with a look of fury. From behind Nathan stepped in Luis, looking as fresh as the world’s freshest daisy.
“Darcey!” Nathan exclaimed when he saw her.
“Nathan? What are you doing here?” Never had her heart felt so many emotions at the same time.
Nathan was about to take a step towards her when his eyes landed on the candlelight spread and the bottle of champagne. He took a step towards Leo, murder in his green eyes. His fists were clenched and he was obviously fighting the urge to punch the other man.
Silence hung in the air. Even Luis’ often rapid tongue was frozen.
Finally, Nathan broke the chilly silence. He narrowed his eyes at Darcey as he took a step away from Leo. Shaking his head, his voice was filled with anger. “Here I was hoping to surprise you, but it looks like I’m the one in for a surprise.” He laughed, a low and forced chuckle. “How easy for you to find a replacement.”
And with that Nathan gave Leo a lethal stare and left the room.
“Nathan, wait!” she called out, but Luis’ face told her what she already knew. Tonight was rather going to be a long and sad night.
Chapter 13
“Nathan! Nathan!” Darcey cried out. She winced as she stood, the excruciating pain on her leg was nothing compared to the tightness she felt in her heart.
She wobbled to the front door just in time to see Nathan standing still in the middle of the hallway. He had stopped on his tracks but she could only see his back. His shoulders shook with rage.
Grimacing, she walked towards him, her bandaged foot dragging on the thick carpet. “Please, come inside and talk to me.”
His voice was tight and he didn’t bother to glance her way. “Darcey, don’t humiliate me any further.”
“Nathan, I was just having dinner with Leo. He’s Matt’s brother, Trisha’s fiancé. He was simply giving me a kind reception. This is their family’s hotel.” Even to her own ears, her voice and words didn’t sound convincing.
After several seconds that felt like years, he finally turned to face her. His expression was stoic but his green eyes were filled with fury. “Don’t insult my intelligence. No man as busy as Leo Warwick would spend his precious time having dinner with someone just to be kind.”
She crossed her arms across her chest and glared at him. “Haven’t you considered you’ve completely misunderstood the situation? Just like the time I saw those girls in your bedroom?” She was challenging him, her pain turning to anger at the memory of him passed out next to the most stunning women anyone could imagine.
The expression in his eyes made her flinch. It was a mixture of fury and torment. “So, we’re back to that again, huh? Is that your trump card each time you’re caught flirting with another man?”
“No!” She blinked back angry, hot tears. “I’m simply saying that if you could extend the same understanding as I have given you--”
He smirked, shaking his head. “You are funny, Darcey. Understanding? You ignored my messages and my calls and flew to London. Is that what you mean by being understanding? Is this all I am worth to you?”
“She’s telling the truth.” A smooth male voice spoke behind them. She turned and almost passed out in embarrassment.
Leo stood by the doorway, a glass of champagne in his hand. His handsome face was calm.
“I insisted on taking her to dinner.” Leo stepped slowly towards the couple, sipping from his glass. “Now, I suggest you both take this conversation to her room. I’d rather you not disturb the other guests while you throw insults at one another.”
Nathan glared at him. “I’m sorry. I just came from a ten-hour flight. I don’t have the time.”
Tears welled in her eyes. “Nathan, please.”
He threw her one last look, an expression of torture in his beautiful gaze. Nathan then turned and walked away from her.
She felt Leo’s strong hands on her shoulders as he gently reeled her in and stroked her hair. “It’s okay, Darcey. I’m sure once he’s cleared his mind, he’ll come around and talk to you. Now isn’t the time to talk to him. I know how he feels. I’m a man, I know. Give him time.”
Without saying a word, she allowed Leo to lead her back to her room.
“Careful.” He walked her to the couch, an arm around her shoulders. She was able to respond with nothing but a weak smile.
Luis was seated at the dining table. He had obviously been busy invading what was left of their sumptuous feast. “Sorry,” he mumbled before biting into a piece of steak. “I needed a drink.” He gulped some wine and proceeded to help himself to a slice of dark bread, placing a generous slab of creamy butter on it.
“Would you like to join us for dinner, Luis?” Leo asked, smiling.
“I guess it is a bit too late for that, he has already eaten half of our meal.” Darcey sat down and exhaled, her foot felt a lot better. She wished she could say the same about her feelings. She wanted to pretend nothing happened, but she felt Leo was far too perceptive to be fooled.
“I should say, Leo,” Luis began to say as he sliced a piece of the last steak, “your spa’s brown sugar scrub and seaweed wrap was absolutely rejuvenating. I feel brand new.”
“I’m glad you approve.” Leo sat down next to Darcey on the couch, an amused expression on his face as he watched Luis devour their meal. “Next month we’re introducing a gold facial. I’m headed for Japan soon to acquire the license from the inventor. She’s coincidentally th
e wife of someone I used to play tennis with in school.”
“When do you go to Japan?” Darcey was only too happy to discuss things other than Nathan and what just occurred.
“In a month or so. Old friends invited me to join them in Niseko for skiing. Then perhaps I’ll go try some onsens and everything Japan’s culture can offer. I prefer to offer my hotel guests something I personally would want to avail.”
“Ah, you have my dream job,” Luis said before taking a bite of ruffled chips. “You and Darcey should exchange notes. Japan’s on her to-do list. It’s always one of her top places to visit before she’s officially an old maid.”
Leo’s eyes searched her face. “You’re going to be in Japan?”
She nodded. “Yes, for a month. Sissy asked me to write a feature while working with a Japanese lifestyle magazine. The readers are the very wealthy.”
“Ah, like, me?” Leo laughed faster than she could chide him for sounding obnoxious. The casual look on his face told her he was simply joking. Leo Warwick wasn’t at all shy about his wealth. She felt he embraced his status very comfortably.
“Yes, like you, Mr. Warwick.”
“Ah, we’re back to formalities again? Leo is fine.”
“Leo it is then.”
“Have you been to Japan before?”
“Yes, but very briefly. I didn’t get to review any spas, hotels or restaurants. I’ve been told Japan holds the most number of Michelin-starred restaurants in the world. They even beat France.”
“It isn’t surprising. The Japanese only strive for perfection.” Leo stood up and poured champagne into two flutes, handing one to her.
Luis nodded in agreement as he swallowed the rest of the wine. “Everything is considered art, from flower arranging to paper folding, to sushi and even the art of packing.”
Leo cut up a piece of decadent chocolate cake and brought the plate over to where she was seated. She accepted it with a smile, almost convinced that the episode earlier with Nathan was nothing but a nightmare. She was half hoping that as soon as she woke up the next morning, Nathan would be back to bring her some of her favourite American-style pancakes. She wanted to act nonchalant in front of Leo and Luis and was grateful the two men avoided the topic of her ex. But, if she were to be honest to herself, she wanted nothing more than to call Nathan and explain her side.
But she knew Leo was right, it was better to give Nathan space that evening. He was guaranteed to be annoyed if she as much as sent him a text message.
After they enjoyed the delectable cake, Luis excused himself. “My apologies, but that massage and the wine you insisted I drink made me drowsy. I’ll have to bid goodnight. Darcey, is it fine if I sleep now?”
She knew Luis’ question actually meant, Will you be alright?
Nodding, she smiled at her friend. “Of course. Thank you. I’ll see you at breakfast?”
He stood up and walked towards her, giving her a peck on both cheeks. He bid Leo goodnight and profusely thank the hotelier for the lavish meal.
As soon as Luis left, Leo sat next to Darcey. “You’re a fascinating woman.”
“I’m anything but.”
His eyes searched her face, causing her skin to heat up. “I could tell you were hurting, yet you have grace that can equal that of any duchess.”
She sighed and leaned her head back on the couch. “Nathan had every right to be upset.”
“I don’t blame him. If you were mine, I wouldn’t know what I would do if I saw you with another man.”
She raised a brow. “It isn’t like we were doing anything. We were simply having dinner.” But deep inside she knew there was more to their evening than the food Luis gobbled down.
“I’m a man and I know how other men think. Nathan knows very well that I’m not the type who’d waste time on something I don’t find worth of my investment.”
“You make me sound like a stock option.” She raised a brow.
“A very profitable one at that.” He lifted his glass and sipped slowly.
“Profitable? Hardly! More like a risky stock.” She tried to sound at ease but her insides were tied up in a knot, a very tight knot.
“Risky because you might run away with my heart. But you’re worth the risk when you become mine.”
She coughed out the wine she was sipping. “Wha-what?”
He stood up to pick up a piece of linen napkin and handed it to her. “I’m sorry. Am I making you uncomfortable?”
“Leo, you saw what just happened tonight. I hope you understand how difficult this is for me.” She wiped her lips with the napkin, silently wanting to kick herself for being so clumsy.
“Are you still a couple?” He was not mincing words, that was obvious.
“No, but--”
“A new love will always cure a broken heart.” His eyes met her own with a challenging stare. “Although, true love is hard to fight off.” A hint of sadness lingered in his usually composed tone.
“And you know this because?” She wondered with immense curiosity what this impressive businessman’s personal past held.
Did a goddess once break his heart?
He proved her theory right. “Because I once loved someone. A lot. She chose another man.” His face was calm but he couldn’t hide the strain in his voice.
She instinctively reached out to touch his arm. “I’m sorry. You don’t have to say anymore. I could only imagine how difficult it must have been.”
“She was the only woman I fell for. My heart. I never thought--” He took a swig of his drink quickly, as if it was nothing but water.
She felt his pain and loneliness. “It ended badly? Or are you still friends?” she asked carefully.
“Nothing ends when you haven’t even a chance for a beginning.” She could only nod at his wise words. He went on, “I may seem confident, Darcey. It might look like I have everything figured out. But there’s one thing I can’t do. I can’t fall in love. At least, not after she pulled out my heart and stepped on it.” He stared straight ahead, his face void of emotions.
“That’s impossible. Everyone is capable of falling in love.”
“What I mean is, when she walked away with my heart, I thought it was impossible to fall in love again.” He turned his face towards hers. Their eyes just inches once more away from one another.
She nodded in silence.
He smiled softly. “That is, until you came into my life, with your curious big brown eyes and carefree demeanour.”
She could feel the heat rise up to her face. “Leo, I—“ She didn’t know what to say. The raw pain evident in his eyes kept her from uttering more words.
“You don’t have to say anything, and I definitely do not need your pity. But you asked me yesterday, you asked if I had something that makes me want to wake up in the morning and be thankful to be alive. Ever since I was captivated by your smile, I’ve found myself smiling. When I see you hurting, I want to make you feel better. When I saw Nathan, well, I was jealous as hell and I have nothing to be jealous of. And I am patient man. There are things that can’t be rushed and I’m willing to be worthy of you.”
A tear fell and lingered on her cheek. Sometimes, when she couldn’t articulate her thoughts into the right words, especially when she was overwhelmed by her feelings, tears were her only way of speaking.
This was one of those times.
He wiped the tear away. “Don’t cry, Darcey Vaughn. All I want to do is make you smile.”
Chapter 15
“Tell me again why we’re celebrating Pancake Day,” Nathan had asked as he stepped into her apartment. He then immediately scooped her into her arms. The exotic aroma of orchids he held in one hand floated up to her nose.
She sighed in contentment and gave him a lingering kiss. “Just because we’re in America doesn’t mean we forget Shrove Tuesday.”
They made their way into the small but charming living room. It was connected to a bright yellow kitchen. She placed the flowers by the kitchen windo
w while the robust sight of Venice beach just outside her flat boosted her already good spirits.
Shirtless skaters with glistening skin under the perfect California blue sky glided by her apartment with ease, a group of tall blonde girls sipped shakes and took pictures. Tourists from all walks of life dotted the boardwalk. Venice Beach was known to attract the fancy, the wholesome, the downright weird and their curious onlookers. One never knew what kind of character they’d encounter in this eclectic Los Angeles beach.
She had turned to Nathan as she undid the strings of her apron. Cooking for him was one of her favourite hobbies of late. “What did I do to deserve you?”
He pulled her closer towards him, planting a kiss on her forehead. Tenderly, he wiped her face with the back of one hand. “Flour on your cute face. Don’t’ worry, I find it rather sexy.”
“Flour on my face and blueberry stains all over me is sexy?” She cuddled closer to him.
“Yes, especially since I’m one hungry boy at the moment.” He laughed and put an arm around her, enjoying the energetic Venice Beach vibe through the window.
“You’re scandalous.” She laughed and slowly peeled herself away from his tight embrace.
“So, remind me again what Shrove Tuesday is?”
She grabbed a silver bowl from the counter, one filled with sifted flour. “Well, to reflect on the things we need to change in our lives, to think about what we have to work on. Everyone’s a work in progress. Think of it as your last feast before the Lenten Season.”
He nodded and helped himself to some freshly brewed coffee, pouring the hot beverage into a Disneyland mug. She picked out an egg from her fridge and cracked it on his forehead, giggling.
“Ouch! That’s physical abuse.” He put down his coffee mug and tickled her sides as she shrieked.
“The egg! Watch it!”
He put his arms up as a sign of surrender and grinned.
“I thought you find food all over us sexy. Don’t get so egg-zoited.” She expertly separated the egg white from the yolk using the two shell halves, she then added it to the mix of melted butter and sugar.
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