Forever (Time for Love Book 1)

by Charles, Miranda P.

  "How did she end up in that place?" Alix asked.

  "Her brother bought her the apartment. He surprised her with it," Sarah answered.

  Zach almost spat out his coffee in surprise. Rebecca's brother bought it for her? Her brother?

  "Wow. How lucky is she?" Ron gushed. "What does her brother do?"

  "He runs a company with his two best friends. They develop business and games apps for mobile devices. In fact, you know that game you were playing on your phone yesterday? They created that. Bec's brother gave her the apartment as a surprise thank-you gift because the idea for their latest release was from a game he and Rebecca invented when they were kids."

  "Wow," Ron exclaimed. "I read in the papers that game was bought by another company for millions."

  "Yup," Sarah said. "It's actually a funny story how Trey—that's Bec's brother—gave her that apartment. Trey had originally wanted to give Bec cash. But Bec being Bec, she didn't want to take it. She said she had no hand in coding and programming and all those things so she didn't think she deserved anything. So Trey pretended he was buying the apartment as an investment for himself and his wife Kris. Then he made Bec sign these documents, saying they were about their joint power-of-attorney for their grandmother's retirement village. Since Bec trusts Trey with her life, she'd signed without reading them. Little did she know she was signing to be the owner of this new luxury apartment. She got angry at Trey at first for lying to her, but only for a short period. She absolutely loves her place."

  Zach felt hot and cold all over, his sight dimming a little from his shock. When Rebecca had told him her brother Trey worked from home as a software developer, he'd simply assumed he was a small operator. He'd had no idea he was so successful.

  His heart constricted so much that he felt his eyes moisten. If he were in Rebecca's shoes, and she'd rejected him like he had, he would have been gutted. And he'd done it to her out of mistaken beliefs. Twice.

  The magnitude of the hurt he must have caused her hit him just then. God, he really was an absolute moron.

  "Are you okay, dear?" Magda asked Zach. "You don't look so well."

  "I'm fine. I think I'll head back to my room now. I'm just tired."

  "Okay. We'll see you tomorrow."

  *

  Zach walked back to his suite in a daze. After all the heartache and anger and suspicion, it was all so innocent? A big part of him was happy to get confirmation that Rebecca had never lied to him, never cheated on him. And, as he'd always known in his heart, she was never a gold-digger.

  But the relief and elation were overshadowed by his shame, guilt and one humongous fear. Would Rebecca ever take him back?

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  Rebecca walked toward her favourite swimming pool in the ship with her head held high. From today, she would start acting like the free, single woman that she really was. For so long, she'd considered herself as Zach's, even after they'd broken up. No longer.

  Yes, she still hurt, but that was to be expected. What was gone was the prospect of a reconciliation. Admitting that to herself had helped her get out of bed that morning.

  She wasn't looking for another boyfriend. It was way too soon for that. But she was on a cruise ship with thousands of people, some of whom were single just like she was. What better way to heal a broken heart and a bruised ego than to have some holiday fun?

  Her phone buzzed with a text message. It was from Alix, who wanted to know what her plans were for the day.

  She bit her lip as she considered what she wanted to do. Alix had been so sweet last night when he thought she was sick. He was a nice guy. But was he after a relationship? She didn't want to lead him on.

  "Hello," Sarah said, catching up with her.

  "Hey, finished in the gym?"

  "Yup. Ready to relax in the pool now. Has Alix contacted you?"

  "Yeah. He just texted, wanting to know what I'm doing today."

  "He was really worried about you last night."

  Rebecca smiled. "He did call a few times and left messages on my phone."

  "So... what do you think?"

  "I don't know if I should lead him on, Sarah. I mean, I'm ready to move on, but that doesn't mean I want to jump into a new relationship. I just want to enjoy single life for a while."

  "I know. But quite frankly, with his personality, I think he's into fun, too. It's just that out of everyone in this ship, it's you he wants to have fun with."

  Rebecca glanced at her phone. When they got to the pool area, she'd made her decision. "I'll ask him to join us," she said, sending Alix a quick message.

  "Great."

  "What about Ron?"

  Sarah made a face. "I'm starting to get bored with him. He talks too much."

  Rebecca chuckled. "So you'll be on the lookout for someone else?"

  "Yup."

  They dumped their towels and belongings on a couple of available deck chairs and headed for the water.

  "By the way, I hope you don't mind, but I told everyone last night about how Trey got you your apartment," Sarah said.

  "Oh? How did that come up?"

  "Actually, Zach started it. He mentioned your move to Milsons Point and I just kinda kept talking."

  "Oh." The mention of Zach's name was enough to send her heartbeat racing. But that was just a habitual reaction. In time, that should ease... and she'd stop missing him so.

  "Is that your phone ringing?" Sarah asked.

  "Oh, yeah. That must be Alix." Rebecca got out of the pool to answer the call. To her surprise, it was Magda.

  "Hi Magda."

  "Hello, dear. I just want to see if you're feeling any better."

  "Yes, thank you. I'm feeling much better." Guilt assailed her. It didn't occur to her that Magda would worry, but she should have said something. She literally took a sick day off work yesterday.

  "Good. What are you doing now?"

  "Sarah and I are having a swim in our favourite pool. Do you need us for anything?"

  "No, but I might join you a little later."

  "Yes, come and join us, Magda!"

  "I will, after I have my massage. I'll see you soon."

  Rebecca smiled. Magda's zest for life inspired her.

  *

  "Helloooo!" Alix cried out.

  "Hi Alix!"

  "Hi beautiful. You're looking well. I'm glad."

  "Yes. I'm feeling much better, thanks."

  "I was lonely without you last night. I didn't have a date!"

  She chuckled, flushing. "I'm sure Sarah wouldn't have minded being your date last night."

  "Oh, but that Ron kept her very busy. I couldn't get a word in."

  They laughed together, then to her surprise, Alix lifted her up in his arms.

  "Alix! What are you doing?"

  "Since you are well now, it's time to enjoy the water."

  Alix moved to the edge of the pool and Rebecca involuntarily clung to him with her arms around his neck.

  "Alix!" she shrieked.

  Alix chortled and jumped in the pool with her in his arms.

  She pushed him away, laughing, and thrashed as Alix tried to re-capture her. Managing to escape his clutches, she swam away as fast as she could. She reached the other side just as a man slid down into the water right in front of her. She froze for a second before scrambling to stand upright. She'd know that body anywhere.

  "Hi," Zach said, his voice low.

  "Hi," she squeaked. Unbidden, her eyes roamed his muscular chest. Damn it. She'd seen him naked so many times before. Why on earth did she still want to swoon at the sight of him—glistening... wet... heaving? She forced her gaze back to his face and found him watching her, his face stony and his eyes bleak.

  "How are you feeling?" Zach asked softly.

  "I'm fine, thanks." She wiped the water off her face, desperately trying to regain equilibrium. "I'm surprised to see you here," she said casually.

  "Gran said you're here. I wanted to see you."

  Her heart skipp
ed a beat at the emotion in his voice. "Why?"

  "I—"

  "Hello, Zach," Alix said, turning up at their side. "Not working today?" The coolness in Alix's usually lively tone was evident.

  "No. Sometimes there are more important things than work," Zach replied, staring intently at Rebecca.

  "Sarah needs some company over there," Alix said, putting an arm around Rebecca's shoulders and trying to steer her back to where Sarah was. "You're welcome to join us, Zach."

  Rebecca was rooted to the spot, Zach's pleading gaze holding her in place. Until Sarah appeared.

  "Hi Zach. Good to see you relaxing. Come and join us over there if you want. We ordered some drinks."

  Rebecca felt Sarah tug at her hand, and she reluctantly followed her friend.

  "What are you doing?" Sarah whispered.

  Rebecca shook her head. She didn't know what the hell she was doing just staring back at Zach when just that morning, she'd honestly felt she was ready to move on. But there was just something in his eyes...

  "Don't forget he made you cry again," Sarah reminded her.

  Ah, right. That was the reality. Zach didn't love her. She mustn't forget that. That was why she had to let go. For real, this time. "Thanks, Sarah. I'm getting there."

  Sarah squeezed her hand. "I know. And if it's sex you want, Alix is right there."

  Rebecca glanced at Alix, who smiled brightly at her. She smiled back. Yes. Alix was a great guy. He had a great body, too. Not as great as Zach's, but good enough. Maybe she'd dip her toe into this casual sex thing. Apparently, she'd been doing it with Zach anyway—she just didn't know then it was just casual.

  "Here's your cranberry juice, beautiful," Alix said to Rebecca, holding out a glass. "And here's your glass of wine, Sarah. We didn't get you any, Zach. We didn't know what you want."

  "That's fine," Zach answered, looking none too pleased. "Bec, can I have a moment with you?"

  "She's relaxing. She wasn't well yesterday. I hope this is not about work," Alix said with a frown.

  "No," Zach said in an almost-growl.

  Rebecca could feel the animosity radiating out of the two men. She placed a hand on Alix's arm and smiled at him. "It's okay, Alix. I'll make sure we don't take too long."

  "Okay," Alix said, smiling back at her.

  As she headed for the steps out of the pool, she felt Alix's hand caress her back gently. She was surprised that she stiffened at the touch, and even more surprised that Zach grabbed her hand, almost yanking her to go faster. As she climbed out of the pool, Zach placed an arm around her waist, making her shiver—in delight. Damn him. What the hell was he up to?

  She went to pat herself with her towel, and when she'd finished, she unconsciously handed it to Zach to use. He was just standing there waiting for her, dripping. His towel must be on the other side of the perimeter.

  "What do you want to talk about, Zach?" she asked, walking toward a quiet corner, away from the prying eyes of Sarah and Alix.

  "I want to start resolving our issues," Zach said quietly.

  She gasped. What? "Why?" she asked out loud.

  Zach took a deep breath. "I've been a total asshole, jerk, moron, idiot... whatever you want to call me, Bec. I'm sorry. I want us to try again."

  She stared at him, not quite sure if she heard him right. "Do you mean you want us to get back together?"

  "Yes. Please."

  She looked away, heart pounding. Two days ago, she would have rejoiced at his declaration. But now, even if the attraction was still so much there, she hesitated. Zach had already scarred her heart too much. And the recent wounds from the other day were still fresh.

  "I don't know if I want to take another chance," she whispered, unable to look him in the eye.

  "Please let me try again, Bec. Let me make it up to you," he pleaded.

  "I'm at a place where I know I can walk away, Zach. It took me so long to get there. I don't know if I could trust you not to hurt me again."

  "I'll try my very best not to hurt you again, Bec," Zach said, cupping her face and forcing her to look at him. "I'd rather die than hurt you again."

  Rebecca stared into Zach's eyes, wanting to believe that what he said was true. Yet she was scared to once again offer her heart to him on a platter.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  Zach waited and waited for Rebecca's response. But uncertainty was written on her face.

  "Tell me what you want me to do, Bec," he whispered. His brain had shut down and he couldn't think. All he could do was feel. And the overriding emotion was fear.

  "Just give me time to think, Zach. I've been through a wild emotional roller coaster ride just these past few days because of you. I just got off that roller coaster, and I don't think I'm ready to get on it again. My heart's a bit too fragile at this point for that."

  "But it doesn't have to be a roller coaster anymore, baby," he pleaded. "Things are different now."

  "How did things suddenly become different, when just the other night you were set on being just friends?"

  Zach raked his hair. Could he tell her that he'd thought she'd become the mistress of a married man and must have been after his money, and had found out that what he thought were facts were totally fiction? No, of course he couldn't tell her that. If anything would make Rebecca run for the hills faster than anything, it would be that he'd believed those things.

  "I was just a moron, Bec. I was wrong. I do want you back," he said, getting desperate. Rebecca was doubting his words. And he really couldn't blame her for that.

  "You know, Zach," Rebecca said, her eyes watering, "I've waited for months to hear you say that. But being in this ship... it kind of makes everything surreal. We're not in our natural environment. I think that maybe..." she gulped and blinked away her tears. "...I think that maybe this is another short term thing for you. When this trip is finished, you won't feel the same."

  "Oh, Bec, that won't happen! Let me prove it to you. Please." He tried to gather her in his arms but she resisted.

  She looked at him with sad eyes and shook her head. "I think we should talk about this after we get off this ship—when we're back to our normal lives, doing everyday things—and see how we both feel then. For now, I think what you said the other night was a good suggestion. Let's just be friends."

  "Bec—"

  "I just can't absorb this right now, Zach. Please."

  Lancing pain attacked his heart and it took an effort not to cry. Damn it, they were in a public place, and he was a grown man.

  *****

  Zach focused on work for each minute of the day, only stopping for food and bathroom breaks. From now on, he was intent on finishing his working day by five in the afternoon, every single day while on the ship, so he would have plenty of time for Rebecca. Not that he thought she'd want to spend any time with him, but he wanted to keep his schedule open for her, just in case.

  Rebecca wouldn't tell him what her plans were for the day, but she couldn't refuse when Magda asked. Thankfully, his grandmother was open to letting him know what everyone in their party had been planning.

  Apparently, Rebecca and Sarah would be having dinner tonight at the restaurant that served burgers. He wouldn't be surprised if Alix would be there with them again. It irked the hell out of him that the man was worming his way into Rebecca's days. Even he didn't get to spend as much time with Rebecca as Alix did. It bothered him that Rebecca and Alix were becoming too close.

  He picked up the phone to call his PA, not wanting to dwell on another man wooing his Bec. He'd just get too aggro and wouldn't get anything done.

  He'd just finished his lengthy conversation with his PA when Jeff rang. "Hey, bro," he greeted.

  "Hey. How's it going so far?" Jeff asked.

  "Not bad. I'm glad you rang. There are a few things that you or Greg might need to check," he said, proceeding to give Jeff some instructions.

  "No sweat," Jeff said. "Now I want to talk about this message you left me... You want me to not invest
igate Rebecca's boyfriend anymore?"

  "He's not her boyfriend. He's her brother—Trey."

  "Oh, really?"

  "Yes. I don't know who Phillip hired to do the investigating, but they obviously stuffed up on some very important details. I'll deal with them another time."

  "How do you know all this?"

  "Sarah was telling everyone the other night the story of how Rebecca's brother gifted her that place."

  "How do you know that was the truth?" Jeff asked.

  Zach sighed in exasperation. "There was no reason for Sarah to lie in front of everyone. I mean it, Jeff. Don't waste your time on this. It's all resolved."

  "Have you spoken to Phillip?"

  "No. I haven't seen him since day one of the trip. I'm too angry at myself for trusting him with an important job and too angry at him for hiring fucking incompetent people. There's no telling what I'd do if I see his face."

  "And what's going on between you and Rebecca now?"

  Zach was quiet for a moment. "She doesn't know what we've suspected and I don't ever want her to know. She'd be so hurt. So please don't breathe a word about this to anyone from now on."

  "Are you back together?" Jeff pressed.

  "No," he said, his heart compressing. "I'm working on it."

  "How's Gran?"

  "She's well. She's really enjoying herself. This trip is doing her a hell of a lot of good."

  "Good. Greg and I can't wait to join you guys."

  "My PA's going to board with you. I thought I'd only be here for two weeks, but since Gran wants me to stay until the end of the trip, it's better if she's here. We'll need your PA to coordinate everything on land."

  "Sure. By the way, how's Marilyn? Is she enjoying herself?"

  Zach laughed. "Every time I see her, she looks so damned bored. I'm sure she's counting the days until you get here."

  "She's hot. And fun," Jeff said with a chuckle.

  "Anything serious happening there?"

  Jeff snorted. "No. It's like your arrangement with Vicky."

  "How the hell did you know about that?"

  "Don't you know that those two are good friends? Marilyn assures me the both of them won't say a word to anyone else, though."