She narrowed her eyes at him and pursed her lips in an adorable pout. “Yes, though I would like to know why I need a robe and a pair of dress shoes. Those don’t normally get paired together. You aren’t taking me to some weird artsy thing, are you?”
Drew chuckled and shook his head. Gwen was a breath of fresh air. “No, nothing like that. I promise.”
“Okay, then, I guess I’m ready.” She said the words, but she didn’t move. Drew picked up the items with one hand and held out the other to her. After a glance down and a deep breath, she placed her hand in his. “I need to get my bag by the front door.”
“Let’s go then.” He tugged gently to lead her back to the front door, and after she grabbed her bag and shut the door behind her, he led the way to the limo.
He opened the back limo door for her and helped her slide in. Then he opened the front door. Manuel looked over at him in surprise. Drew placed the items on the seat beside him. “Please don’t touch these. I need to have them dusted for prints later.” Manuel said nothing. He simply nodded. Drew closed the front door and joined Gwen in the back, pulling the door shut behind him. “To the airport please, Manuel.”
“The airport? Where are we going, Drew? I have to be back tonight. I have church in the morning, remember?”
The corners of Drew’s mouth pulled into a smile. “Don’t worry. You’ll be back in plenty of time. We’re taking a private jet.”
“A private jet? Just how wealthy are you?”
Drew smiled, but he didn’t want to talk about his money. He wanted to know more about Gwen. “May I ask you something?” he asked instead of answering her question.
“Maybe.” Her eyes held his a moment and then fell to her lap.
“I wanted to inquire why you work in the nursery at your church. You seemed excited by it and I was curious to know more.”
As he hoped they would, her eyes lit up, and her shoulders relaxed. “I’ve always loved kids. In fact, I wanted more siblings, but there were complications with my birth, and my mother couldn’t have any more after me. We were discussing adoption as a family, but my parents died before the process was complete. So, I guess I’ve just always had kids on my heart. It’s partly why I became a teacher.”
“And the other part?” he asked gently. Now that she was opening up, he didn’t want her retreating into her shell again.
Her eyes dropped to her lap, and her volume decreased. “I wanted to help kids like myself. Those in foster care. The ones who think no one cares about them.”
She paused for a moment and Drew wanted to tell her that people cared, that he cared, but he knew it would sound trite. Though he couldn’t explain his connection to her, he expected she would think it was too early or too fast if he mentioned he cared for her.
“Someday, I think I’d like to foster a few kids. I’m sure you know my story.” Her gaze shifted up and she fixed him with a penetrating stare.
“A little,” he admitted, “but I’d enjoy hearing more about it from you.”
She shook her head. “The past is just that. Past. But I had a not so good family and then a good family. If I can help keep kids from falling in with families like my first, then I want to do it. I can’t solve the foster care problem, but I can help. That’s what I hope to do with your money. Thank you for the opportunity.”
“I’m happy to help. You said people would help if they knew how. I didn’t know there was such a need, but now that I do, I’m glad I can do something.”
“Well, thank you.”
Chapter 11
Gwen studied Drew for a moment. He was not how she pictured billionaires at all. Yes, he rode around in a limo which was unnecessary and wore designer clothing, but he also seemed genuinely interested in helping others. And he appeared interested in her though she had nothing to offer him.
As they pulled into the airport, Gwen tried not to show her awe when the private jet came into view. She had never been on a plane, much less a private jet. “How often do you fly?”
“Not as often as you’d think,” Drew said with a small chuckle. “Most of the time, I drive, but occasionally I have to check out a hotel on the other side of the states. I prefer to avoid the airport hassle if you know what I mean.” The door opened, and Drew stepped out and then held out his hand to her.
Gwen didn’t. She’d heard stories, but she’d never experienced it firsthand having neither the money nor the reason to fly anywhere. Gwen took his hand and stepped out as well.
A woman in a smart blue skirt and jacket stood at the top of the stairs leading into the plane. “Good morning, Mr. Devonshire,” she said as they approached.
“Good morning, Margaret. This is my friend, Gwen.”
Margaret turned warm brown eyes on Gwen and smiled. “Good morning, Gwen. Welcome aboard.”
Gwen smiled back as she reached the top step, surprised and pleased that the woman didn’t seem to care about her social status or lack thereof. She stepped into the plane, and her jaw dropped.
Though she’d never been on one, Gwen had seen pictures and Carrie spoke of how the rows were squished together and the chairs were uncomfortable, but the space before her didn’t look like that at all.
Only eight seats existed in this plane. Two rows of two on one side and two rows of two on the other. The seats themselves were wide and luxurious, covered in cream leather and they appeared to recline.
“Take your pick,” Drew said behind her. His breath tickled her ear and set her heart stampeding in her chest again. Why did he have such an effect on her? She barely knew him. Was it the money or could there be something real to her feelings?
She chose a seat by the window, wanting to have a view as they took off, and sat down. The seat was as comfortable as it looked, soft and smooth beneath her fingertips, and, after trying all the buttons, Gwen found it did recline.
Drew sat beside her, a small smile twitching at his lips. Did he find her amusing? She must look like a kid in a candy store.
“Would you care for your normal fare?” Margaret asked a moment later.
“I’m not starving,” Drew replied. “Perhaps some champagne and strawberries?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Champagne?” Gwen asked. “Are we celebrating something?”
“You saying yes to this date.” Drew picked up her hand and laced his fingers through hers. “I’m pleased you agreed.”
“I am too,” Gwen said. Her eyes flew to the window when she felt the plane move. It was just the faintest sensation as the movement was so smooth, but she could see the landscape flying by outside.
“Is this your first time on a plane?” Drew asked.
Gwen nodded. “I’ve never had anywhere to go nor could I afford it if I did.”
“Oh dear, I’m afraid I will spoil you then. Traditional flights aren’t as nice.”
A soft snort escaped her lips and she pulled her eyes from the window long enough to glance at him. “I figured.”
Drew’s phone rang, and he slipped it from his pocket. After a glance at the screen, he silenced it and returned it to his pocket.
“Something important?” Gwen asked.
“No, just a friend. I’ll call her back later.”
She had no right to be jealous, but that didn’t stop the small seed from sprouting in her stomach. Was it Avery or some other woman from Drew’s past? He was sure to have many, but she would not press the issue. The last thing she wanted to do was come across as insecure though she felt it in every inch of her body.
Margaret returned a moment later with two flutes of champagne and a bowl of red, ripe strawberries. Gwen had never tasted champagne and she wasn’t sure if she liked the way it tickled her nose or not. However, the strawberries delighted her. They had long been her favorite fruit and their emergence into the stores was one of her favorite things about summer. The frozen ones just didn’t have the same flavor.
They flew in silence for a time until Drew leaned over her and pointed out the window. “There it is. Marth
a’s Vineyard.”
Gwen’s eyes widened at the beautiful island below them. Lush and green, it was surrounded by crystal blue water on all sides. “It’s breathtaking,” she whispered.
* * *
Drew enjoyed watching Gwen’s amazement as they stepped off the plane. He grew up spending a few weeks out of every year at Martha’s Vineyard, so the novelty wore off a long time ago for him, but Gwen’s features danced with excitement.
“Are you hungry or would you like to visit the spa first?”
“Spa?”
“Yes, I hope you don’t mind, but I figured you might enjoy some pampering, so I purchased a spa package for you. It includes a massage and a treatment of your choice.”
“I wouldn’t even know what to choose,” Gwen said with a laugh. “I guess today will be a day of firsts for me as I’ve never had a massage either, but what about you? What are you going to do while I’m getting pampered?”
“I’ll be getting my own. You didn’t think I’d let you have all the fun, did you?” In fact, Drew enjoyed a weekly massage. He held a lot of tension in his shoulders. At least that’s what his masseuse told him.
Gwen smiled up at him. It was a sweet smile and one he could get used to seeing every day. “All right, the spa it is then.”
He took her hand and led her to the limo he had waiting. It wasn’t that far into town, but he wanted to spoil her today.
“Did you think of everything?” she asked as the driver held the door open for them.
“I tried.” Even as he climbed in, Drew went over the mental list of the rest of the day in his mind. It was just past noon and he expected they would spend two hours at the spa. That left them a few hours to sight see and do the wine and cheese pairing before their dinner reservation at six. And, of course, he needed to get her a dress for dinner.
He settled in next to Gwen and watched as she peered out the window. She was like a kid at Christmas. Her eyes sparkled with awe, and her lips seemed fixed in a permanent smile.
Soon the scenery became filled with colorful gingerbread cottages. “They’re all so pretty.”
Drew had never paid much attention to the houses, but they were indeed a sight. Reds, pinks, blues, and greens. Each one had a small balcony on the second story and a sitting porch. The railings were also painted. Mostly white but some were yellow and orange.
The limo stopped in front of a bright blue cottage with white trim. A white sign that read Le Chateau hung near the sidewalk and swayed in the breeze. Drew stepped out first when the back door opened and then leaned in to help Gwen out. Hand in hand, they made their way to the front door.
Inside, the house was warm and inviting. A soft yellow light illuminated the area. While decorated nicely, Drew hardly noticed the decor. It was no different from many other spas he had been in.
“Welcome to Le Chateau. My name is Margarite. Have you visited us before?” The woman behind the counter had just the hint of a French accent. Probably born in France but here long enough to lose most of the lilt.
“I have,” Drew said, “but it’s my friends first time.”
Margarite grinned. “I love it when we have new guests.” She reached under the counter and pulled out a sheet of paper. As she slid it across, Drew could see it was filled with the services offered. “Did you want a package or the à la carte?”
“Actually, I purchased a package already. Drew Devonshire. I believe it was two options.”
She clicked a few buttons on the computer next to her and nodded. “Indeed. Welcome, Mr. Devonshire. Please let me know which two options you would like.”
Drew scanned the offerings. The massage was a definite. He had been too busy to make his weekly appointment this last week, but his second option would depend on what Gwen picked. He wanted to be sure he was done before she was.
Drew gave her another few minutes to scan the sheet as this was her first time before turning to her and asking, “What looks good?”
“They all look good,” she said with a laugh, “but I think in addition to the massage I’ll get the manicure and pedicure. I’ve never had a pedicure, and they always look so nice.”
Drew figured a manicure and pedicure would run an additional hour, so for his second choice he chose an acupuncture session.
“Wonderful,” Margarite said. She handed them over release forms. “Please fill these out, and I’ll take you back.”
“What are the release forms for?” Gwen asked as they took a seat.
“Standard procedure,” Drew whispered back. “Too many lawsuits today, so they have to cover their back.”
“But is it dangerous? I thought a massage was supposed to be relaxing.” Worry furrowed her brow and her bottom lip folded under her teeth.
Drew smiled. “It is. I promise you that two hours from now you will feel like a million dollars.”
* * *
Drew had been right. The massage had been wonderful. Gwen wasn’t sure how she’d feel letting another person touch her, but the woman they had assigned her had been understanding and waited until Gwen felt comfortable. About halfway through, she had finally relaxed and enjoyed feeling the stress melt out of her muscles.
But the manicure and pedicure had been even better. The woman had rubbed hot stones over her calves and arms, almost like a second massage. And while Gwen had giggled and squirmed a little when the woman scrubbed the bottom of her feet, she had managed to stay still the rest of the time and now sported a lovely reddish orange color on her hands and feet. It was almost the exact shade of her hair. Gwen had loved it so much, she had even written the name down on a business card. She had hoped to buy a bottle, but the twenty-five-dollar price discouraged her. That money could be spent better elsewhere.
“So, how do you feel?” Drew asked as she emerged from the salon room. He must have finished before she did as he rose from a chair in the lobby.
“Like a million dollars,” she said with a sly grin. Maybe it was the polish or maybe the relaxation, but she felt freer, less timid.
“You look like a million dollars too,” he said. “Ready for the next adventure?”
“There’s more?” Gwen asked. Secretly, she was glad. While she had enjoyed the pampering, she found it odd their date was spent mostly apart instead of together.
“Much more.” He held out his arm and she placed her hand on the crook. Gwen savored the feeling coursing through her. He treated her like such an elegant lady even holding the door open for her. They turned left away from the limo.
“We’re not driving?” she asked.
“The next stop isn’t far, and I thought you might enjoy seeing more of the town up close.”
Gwen sneaked a glance at him. Was he reading her mind? As they walked, he told her of his summers spent on the island as a boy. She could almost see him running up and down this sidewalk or flying a kite at the nearby beach they had driven past.
Drew stopped in front of a quaint bistro. “Here we are.” He held the door open for her and Gwen stepped inside. The room had a large wine bar at the back and several tables for sitting throughout the room. Most were filled with other patrons and a low buzz of conversation filled the air.
“Grab a seat. We’ll be right with you,” a man hollered from behind the bar.
Gwen followed Drew to a table for two near the window. She was delighted the table had been free, so she could watch the people outside. Studying people had long fascinated her, probably because she’d retreated into her shell for so long. “So, what are we doing here?” she asked. “Is this lunch?” Gwen hadn’t noticed it before but now she could feel a slight rumbling in her stomach.
“Well, they don’t serve a full lunch here, but I’ve ordered us a wine and cheese tasting.”
“Wine and champagne? Are you trying to ply me with liquor, Drew Devonshire?”
Though she said the words in a teasing tone, his eyes widened, and he shook his head. “No, that wasn’t my intention at all. It never even crossed my mind. If you’d ra
ther not drink the wine-”
Gwen smiled and placed a hand on his. “Relax, Drew. First, I was kidding. Second, it’s been two hours since the champagne. I think I’m fine.” She hadn’t had much champagne on the flight anyway. The bubbly sensation had just been too odd.
Drew sighed. “I’m sorry. I planned out this wonderful day for you, and I didn’t want you to think I had ulterior motives.”
For some reason, Gwen found this side of him even more endearing. People today were so willing to jump into bed with anyone and everyone they met that it was nice to find someone who wasn’t looking for that, at least not on the first date. She wasn’t sure where intimacy fit on his timeline, and before they got too serious, she would have to let him know that it wasn’t on hers until after marriage. But that could wait. Gwen wasn’t even sure he would want to see her again though he appeared to be enjoying himself as well.
“I’m glad to hear it, and I didn’t think that of you. You’ve been nothing but a gentleman, and I thank you.”
Relief flooded Drew’s face, and his posture relaxed.
“Sorry about the wait,” the man from behind the bar said as he approached their table. “It’s been busy this afternoon. What can I do for you?”
“I ordered a wine and cheese tasting,” Drew said as he pulled the tickets from his pocket. “Under the name Devonshire.”
The man’s eyes widened as if he knew who Drew Devonshire was. He scanned the tickets before handing them back. “Of course, Mr. Devonshire. I’ll be right back.”
“Do you ever get used to that?” Gwen asked as the man hurried away.
“What?” Drew asked.
“People changing the way they act around you when they find out who you are. It feels so disingenuous.”
A deep laugh escaped Drew’s lips. “Yes, I guess it is, and that is why you are refreshing, Gwen Rodgers. You didn’t change when you knew who I was.”
“Well, to be fair, you told me who you were within the first few minutes, so you can’t really say I didn’t change.”
The Billionaire's Christmas Miracle (Sweet Billionaires 3) Page 9