“Lucky you.”
“Hmm. I'd say I'm luckier now, talking to a gorgeous girl like you.”
I wasn't sure I appreciated being called “girl” when I was nearly out of grad school, not to mention clearly on my own on a tropical vacation. I looked away from him, and my eyes landed on the beachfront nearby.
“I'm Danisha, and I'm twenty-six, thanks.”
“Oh, pardon me. I deal with quite a few powerful men in my day-to-day business, and their manner of speaking sticks with me sometimes.” He holds up a finger. “Though not, I hasten to add, their outdated worldviews.”
“What are you talking about?” I was genuinely confused. Was he hitting on me or trying to make a deal?
“Only that I'm a progressive man, with attitudes to match.”
...I wasn't sure this conversation was going the way he thought it would.
***
The conversation was not going the way I thought it would. Danisha seemed downright disinterested in me. A lesser man might have crawled away in shame by now. I'd been in tough negotiations before, so I persevered.
“Listen. Danisha. I'm afraid we got off on the wrong foot. What would you say to dinner tonight? My treat.”
“I think I have plans,” she said hesitantly. If I wasn't wrong, that look to the side meant she was trying to invent those plans at that moment.
“I can work around them.”
“How can you be sure?” she was looking at me again. Good. I was more convincing when I kept someone's full attention.
“Because I'm Adrian Ardic. Let me see... Eight? Right here, if that event inside isn't too boisterous. What do you say?”
“I don't know...”
“If it goes badly, you get a free meal. And if it goes well...” I trailed off, trying to imply something amazing. She shifted in her seat, turned toward the sea with her foot up on her chair so she could rest her chin on her knee. She was definitely thinking hard about it. If she were more uncomfortable than anything else, I'd have just called it a loss and moved on, but she was fighting with herself to agree.
“Fine, whatever,” she said finally.
I smiled slightly, nowhere near my usual grin of triumph. After all, it was just dinner. “See you at eight then, darling Danisha.” I stood to go.
“See you, Adrian. And don't call me that. My mom calls me that.”
“Noted.” I walked casually back into the hotel. Part of me felt like a dog with his tail between his legs, but the other part was elated.
Chapter Six
I couldn't decide what to wear.
Earlier, that flimsy top was fine, but it was hardly a dinner outfit--especially without a bra. Good God, if I hadn't already found him attractive the other day, I would have just gotten up and left him there with the rest of my drink. But hey, maybe he was right, maybe we got off on the wrong foot.
Besides, I was tired of bar food.
I eventually decided on a nice, simple white dress, under which I had on a deep lilac tank top and a pale blue skirt shorter than the dress itself, but still down to my knees. I didn't have makeup on. I looked very pretty in the mirror. Pretty as opposed to gorgeous, beautiful or any other adjectives he’d called me.
It was a quarter to eight, so I made for the elevator. Despite the awkwardness earlier, I was mostly looking forward to tonight. After all, how lucky is it that the day after I saw this strange, interesting man and wished that I could meet him, he came over and asked me to dinner?
The elevator door opened and the sounds of a brass band rushed in. Well, maybe it would be too loud and we would have to call the whole thing off. Sheesh. What was going on with me? I was fluctuating between nervous excitement and some weird dread. I passed by the lounge – it was full of people enjoying the show--but I ignored whatever was going on and just headed out to the terrace.
He was already there, talking with a waiter. Adrian smiled as the waiter nodded. His smile grew when he saw me approaching.
“Ah, Danisha! I've just had a word with Endre here, our attendant. He has a much quieter spot for us, where we can enjoy our dinner in peace.”
“Oh, good!” I made an effort to actually mean it. I was smiling despite any doubts I might have had a moment before.
Endre lead us around to a little balcony path I hadn't noticed before. It followed the curve of the building for a bit before ending in a lovely little alcove area. There were three tables under a white trellis draped with beautiful flowering vines. There was no one else there. I noticed a door to our left, and when I asked Endre about it, he explained that it led directly to the kitchen. That way, our food would come out of the oven and get to us right away.
Adrian shook Endre's hand and told him we'd be ready to order soon. Again, I was struck the idea that this man was a step ahead of the game. We took our seats and he raised his eyebrows.
“I'm terribly sorry about all the fuss,” he said sincerely.
“What do you mean? You got us such a nice spot. I even arrived early and you were already making things nicer for us.”
“I do try,” he said, putting a hand to his chin.
We talked for a while before Endre came to take our order, started getting to know each other. Adrian ordered a conch dish that came with a bunch of Bahamian fruits. I didn't know what to order, but I decided pan-fried grouper sounded interesting. Adrian took the initiative and got us a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc.
He was a fascinating man. He had worked in seemingly every facet of the importing world, but he had been where he was now—at the top--the longest. He kept dropping revelations casually as if they were regular business for him, and I supposed they were. He was one of the first to establish contacts in Cuba after the import ban was lifted. He connected one of the foremost electronics companies in America with a struggling but genius friend of his who just so happened to be looking for someone to buy his new touch screen technology. The same tech that revolutionized the smart-phone industry could have rotted in a cellar if not for him.
We were on the subject of electronics and smart-phones and such because I was telling him about myself as well, including my work on the EyeRead, and research into alternative methods of understanding user input. He seemed genuinely interested, not just in me but in my work and what I cared about.
“Yes, and I actually just made a deal with them on solar panels before I came here. Edged out one of my less reputable competitors, too, so I decided to treat myself to a little getaway.” He was telling me about his work with Andris Ozolinsh. I'd heard of the man, but only vaguely. He moved in different technology circles than I did – well, than I would once I was ready to release what I'd been working on.
“Is there a lot of competition for clients?”
“Yes, but I relish it for the most part. Having to stay on top of things in so many different places, manage so many contacts, keeps my mind sharp.”
“For the most part? Is there something you don't like?”
“Mmm.” He nodded. “People like the one I just mentioned – he and those like him don't... restrain themselves to the law quite as much.”
I drank some more wine. I was pacing myself since I didn't want to end up hungover like the other day.
“I know just the kind of people you mean. In classes, sometimes, things get competitive, too. Some people just don't feel like the rules apply to them. Ugh.”
We talked on through the evening into the night. The waiter brought out some candles at just the right time. With the candlelight, the moon reflected on the water, and the plants surrounding us, I couldn't imagine a more beautiful setting for dinner.
Although we were taking our time, we soon finished our food with half the bottle of wine still left. I guess I paced myself well after all. Endre came out a minute after we finished. He must have been psychic; his timing, like most everything else about this evening, was perfect.
“Are you in the mood for dessert?” he asked. I looked at Adrian. His eyes were sparkling. He shrugged and tilted
his head slightly, leaving the decision to me. I declined. I had another kind of after-dinner treat in mind.
Adrian took my hand and started leading me back around the building so we could get inside. I was about to invite him up to my room when he pre-empted me.
“Would you like to spend the night in my suite? It's a corner room. The view is unbelievable.” He was looking right at me as he said the last few words. I blushed at the implication and at his suggestion.
“I'd love to,” I said, squeezing his hand and leaning against him.
Chapter Seven
The morning sun shone through a gap in the curtains. I wasn't used to it since my hotel room faced the other way. I turned to look at Adrian. He looked different when he was asleep. All of his calm confidence, the way his keen eyes looked for every opportunity to improve the situation, whatever that happened to be... all of it had evaporated. He was peaceful, almost vulnerable.
I settled further into the blankets, intending to go back to sleep. I felt my naked body against the sheets. Every motion reminded me of his touch on my skin. Some muscles I didn't even know I had before tonight were sore. The good kind of sore. I didn't make a habit of ranking my experiences, but compared to the last two nights, compared to every night I could remember, I couldn't help but put this near the top of the list. No, right at the top.
It was official. That was the best night of my life so far. I smiled at the thought, lost in blissful memories.
“Good morning,” Adrian murmured next to me. He was looking at me through half-closed eyes, smiling. I couldn't get enough of his smile, but at the same time I couldn't stay away from his lips. I rolled onto my side and put an arm on his shoulder to pull myself to him. He leaned in and we were glued together for at least a full minute. Eventually he pulled away.
“Breakfast?” is all he got out before he was pulled back in, my mouth a magnet for his. We went for probably another minute at least before I finally answered him.
“Yes, please. You really wore me out last night.”
In sharp contrast to last night's extravagant meal, I got thirty-five pancakes. To be fair, they were silver-dollar size, but still, thirty-five. I was starving. Continental breakfast never looked so good. Adrian brought a plate of scrambled eggs and sausages to the table, which surprised me. I don't know what I expected--maybe that he'd be so refined that he would disdain such fare. He was full of surprises.
We went out after breakfast, holding hands shamelessly as we walked through the streets. He bought a replacement dress for me, since the white one I'd worn to dinner hadn't survived being... taken off, let's say. In exchange, I treated him to lunch. He seemed to take it as a challenge, and forty-odd minutes after the meal, we were getting set up to go on something called a “boating fling.”
“It's essentially a tour of some of the nearby interesting places on various islands,” Adrian explained while we were waiting to rent a boat. “If you're not interested, we don't have to go, but I find them enchanting.”
“How long will we be on the water?”
“As long as we want. We could come back tonight or spend a few days jetting around, seeing the sights...”
“A few days!” I gasped. I suddenly remembered that I was just on vacation for spring break, which meant I had to be ready to catch the flight back on Sunday, only five days away. It seemed like forever when I was looking at it as a simple getaway. After meeting Adrian, it somehow felt different.
“Adrian... I have to go back home on Sunday. I'm only here on spring break.”
“As I expected,” he said. His mood was sinking. “I just thought it would be the best way to get the most out of the time you have.”
“I'm still definitely willing to try it out!” I affirmed. “I just... remembered.”
“Yes indeed. Life always interrupts at the worst times, doesn't it?”
“I want to stay here with you forever, but at the same time I just remembered I'm this close to a major leap forward with my project, and...”
“I know exactly what you mean, dove. I'm enjoying myself immensely, yet simultaneously itching to get back in the game.” He nodded to punctuate his agreement. Then he looked up and scanned the room for the guy in charge of boat rentals. It had been a while since he ran off into the back, ostensibly to find us a boat.
“This is ridiculous,” Adrian said, dismissing the whole shop with a wave of his hand. He led me onto the pier.
“I have a much better idea than simply renting some used boat for the day.”
He headed straight for one of the docks and walked down to the end, appraising the boats parked there. Was he going to buy a boat? Just... right now? On a whim?
“You there, is this your boat?” he asked a man standing in one of the vessels, preparing it to launch with the rest of them when the tour started.
He nodded. “Yep, my pride and joy. Just got her.”
“How much?” Adrian sounded blasé. Bored, almost. This wasn't even a big deal for him. I was a few steps away watching it happen, but I couldn't believe my eyes.
“I'm-I'm sorry? She's not for sale.”
“I don't think you understand. I want to buy your boat, and I always get what I want.”
“Maybe you don't understand, mister, but I'm not selling this boat to anybody.” The man stepped onto the dock, getting right in Adrian's face. Adrian stared him down coolly, not giving an inch.
“How much did you pay for her?” he said nonchalantly. The way I would ask someone about the weather if I hadn't been outside in a while.
“If you have to ask, you can't afford it, buddy.” He looked smugly superior. Adrian didn't back down.
He smirked. “I don't have to ask. Just wondered, that's all. I'll triple it.”
“What?”
“I'll pay you triple whatever you paid for this boat. What's her name, by the way?”
The man didn't answer. He was openly gaping in shock, as was I.
Like I said, Adrian was full of surprises.
We ended up spending three days out on the water. Adrian took me ashore anytime there was something he thought I'd be interested in, and he was always right. We spent nights at sea, rocking the boat even more than the waves. I hadn't thought to pack clothes, so he got me practically an entire wardrobe. I was peckish, so he took me to the best restaurant on whatever island we were closest to.
He spoiled me rotten is what I'm saying. By the time we got back, I was both amazed at his effortless generosity and wondering how I'd manage to pack all my new stuff into one suitcase. I told him so, and he bought me a new suitcase. I should have seen that coming.
“I will miss you terribly, Danisha,” he said to me on Saturday afternoon. We were taking it easy after our exploration of the islands, just sitting next to each other in the sun. Strange how a few days can change someone from a stranger into someone you can just be with and do anything to enjoy their company.
“I'll miss you too, Adrian,” I said as I looked at him. He sat up on the edge of the chair, facing me.
“Come live with me in Colorado,” he said earnestly. I nearly fell out of my chair.
Chapter Eight
I was back at college before I knew it. At first, it was a bizarre mix between being full of energy, ready to take on the world, and not remembering anything done before vacation.
I gave Marisol the scoop as soon as I got back. She flipped out, told me I was crazy, high-fived me, and then gave me a hug and cried on my shoulder that her little girl was all grown up. I reminded her that I was older than her and that I had had boyfriends before, which shut her up for a moment. Then she started grumbling about Adrian's offer.
Adrian and I had talked about it for what seemed like the rest of that final weekend, and I eventually decided to go to him at the start of summer, with some conditions. I had to have total autonomy. If I wanted out, I'd have my own car to drive away with. If I wanted to come and go at all hours of the day, he wasn't allowed to question or monitor me.
&nb
sp; Basically, I still wanted my independence. I loved him, I knew that, but I also knew that I'd known him for about a week. I wasn't stupid; I knew that love could do strange things to people. I was just trying to account for those things in myself.
Anyway, it wasn't until summer, and I wasn't going to have to miss him for even that long. He had already called to ask if he could visit soon. We'd agreed on the upcoming weekend, so I promised Marisol that I'd introduce them then—as long as she promised not to try to steal him, I added jokingly. She wasn't amused.
When the time came, Marisol didn't approve. She pulled me aside after Adrian returned home.
“He's so old!” she said. “How do you know he's not some kind of weird creep?”
“He bought a boat for me.”
“He WHAT?!”
It took a bit to calm her down. I guess she hadn't understood Adrian's absurd wealth from my retelling of the week, or the fact that he flew in to meet me for the weekend in a private jet.
“Still, just because he's rich doesn't mean he can't have bad intentions. You've gotta be careful, okay? Promise me you won't take any risks. Any at all!” She stomped her foot.
“Fine, Marisol, I won't. I'll live my life swaddled in bubble wrap, being spoon-fed organic applesauce by a nun.”
“Ugh! You know what I mean!” she said, somehow still angry.
“I'll take you with me when he flies me to Aspen next week, how about that?”
She threw her hands up in the air and turned, seemingly to talk to no one in particular. “He's flying you to Aspen! Of course!” She turned back to me. “Who does that?”
“Adrian,” is the only answer I had.
I made more progress on EyeRead. I got focused, caught up in the classes I was slacking in before. I was feeling good, doing well, and on track to graduate. What a thing to look forward to after graduation: moving in with Adrian! Then Raphe asked me out. We were outside Professor Trout's classroom, long enough after class had let out that we were the only ones there.
“Uhh, Raphe, you know I have... kind of a thing, now, right?” I wrung my hands awkwardly.
Hang Em' Up: A Bad Boy Sports Pregnancy Romance Page 65