Forever (Time for Love Book 1)

by Charles, Miranda P.

"But she told you," Zach pointed out.

  Jeff sighed. "Honestly, I think she told me so she could rope me into having the same arrangement with her. That was smart, 'cause it worked. Anyway, I have to go. See you soon."

  "See yah. And Jeff, remember, no more investigating Bec and her brother."

  "Sure, sure."

  *****

  Zach sat in a quiet corner with a view to the entrance of the restaurant where Rebecca was supposed to have dinner. He'd tried to ring her again a few minutes ago. To his relief, she'd answered, but declined his invitation to eat with him. She said she had other plans.

  It frustrated him no end, and it made him nervous. He got that Rebecca was still mad at him, and hurting a lot, but how could he prove to her that things were different now if she didn't want to spend some time with him?

  His dad had once said that no matter how fortunate someone was, there would always be something he truly wanted that he would never get in his lifetime. For his parents, that had been a daughter.

  He'd pondered his father's statement a few times in the past, and Zach had thought he'd been truly blessed that whenever he wanted something, he had the means, ability and brains to get it. But what he'd wanted in the past had always related to business success.

  When Rebecca had said she didn't want to have dinner with him tonight, or tomorrow night, he'd wondered if that one thing that he could never have was her. It scared the shit out of him, because right now, where he stood, there was nothing more important than Rebecca. He felt he was going to explode if he had to live every day of his life in regret, knowing that he'd thrown away his opportunity for a future with her.

  His heart jumped before sinking like lead to his stomach when he saw four people making their way to the burger place. Yup. There was Rebecca with Sarah, Ron and Alix. Alix appeared to be telling one his extravagant tales again, his arms gesticulating all over the place.

  Zach stood up and followed them into the diner. He didn't have any firm plans, except to play it by ear.

  The two couples were being seated at a booth when he approached.

  "Hey, guys, fancy seeing you here."

  "Zach!" Ron exclaimed in a friendly tone, while Rebecca and Sarah looked at him in surprise. Alix had lost his exuberance and was frowning at him.

  "You having dinner here, too?" Ron asked conversationally.

  "I'm not sure what I'm doing tonight, actually. I just saw you guys walk in and I thought I'd say hi."

  An awkward moment ensued when no one said anything in response. Of course, no one would invite a fifth wheel to a double date.

  "Well, I'll leave you guys to it," Zach finally said.

  "Enjoy your dinner," Ron called out.

  Zach chose a table where he could watch Rebecca. At least he could take comfort from the fact that she was sitting next to Sarah, not Alix. That he didn't have to see Alix's face, only the back of his head, was a good thing, too—relatively speaking.

  He ordered his food and sat back, glancing forlornly at the group every now and again. He didn't even pretend to be doing anything else. He didn't care if he looked lonely sitting there. The more that Rebecca noticed he was sad about the whole situation, the better. He wasn't acting to gain her sympathy, either. He was just wearing his heart out on his sleeve so she'd believe that he really cared.

  If someone in that place recognised him, it would probably seem funny to find the CEO of The Carmichael Corporation sitting in a burger joint looking like a heartbroken teenager pining for a girlfriend someone had stolen from under his nose. And he didn't care.

  His food came and he picked at it. How the hell could he get Rebecca to spend some alone time with him? How could he get her to go out on a date? He'd love to take her to the movies, or the theatre, even to one of the trivia contests the ship ran from time to time. And it would be bliss to enjoy some onshore excursions with her in the cities where they'd be docking.

  There were still three weeks to go till the end of the cruise, and he'd hate—absolutely hate—for Alix to have opportunities with Rebecca instead of him. It would be so easy for Alix to spend every day with Rebecca on this holiday.

  The more he pondered, the more morose he became. Rebecca only wanted to talk after they left the ship. What if something developed between her and Alix between now and then?

  "Excuse me," a female voice said, making him look up.

  "The place is kind of full," the pretty woman said, "and the only available tables are the big tables for six. I was wondering if you don't mind me sharing your table? I'm supposed to have dinner with my sister, but she's not feeling well."

  Zach opened his mouth to decline, not wanting to give Rebecca any reason to think he was flirting with another woman. But he was a gentleman, and the woman wasn't exactly batting her eyelashes at him.

  "Sure," he answered, standing up and pulling out a chair for her.

  "I'm Nicky, by the way."

  "I'm Zach," he answered, shaking her hand as he sat back down. He glanced at Rebecca and found her laughing out loud. No doubt Alix was delivering one of his famous jokes again. It depressed him.

  "I don't want to be nosy, but are you okay?" Nicky asked. "Or would you prefer to be alone? I don't mind moving to another table."

  "No, no," he said with an apologetic smile. "Sorry. I don't mean to be bad company."

  Nicky chuckled. "Well, considering I forced myself on you, you shouldn't be apologising."

  He sighed. "Just having a bad day, I guess."

  A server came to take Nicky's order and he resolved to at least be companionable. He started a conversation and tried his hardest to pay attention, even though his eyes wouldn't cooperate. They kept on swerving Rebecca's way.

  "Um, Zach," Nicky said. "I happen to notice you keep on looking over there. You've got it bad for that girl in yellow, don't you?"

  He snickered, hiding his embarrassment. "Am I that obvious?"

  "You look so lovesick I feel sorry for you," Nicky teased.

  He sighed deeply. "She's my ex. Right now, she's not talking to me, and the guy opposite her wants her for himself."

  "Oh, sorry about that. That sucks. Why did you break up, if you don't mind me asking?"

  "Because I'm a complete idiot."

  "Oh, right. Well, if it makes you feel any better, I think most men are."

  "Gee, thanks," he said with a laugh.

  "So have you told Miss Yellow over there how sorry you are?"

  He felt a painful pinch in his heart. "I have, and she doesn't believe me."

  "Oh, Zach. I'm sorry. I'm turning out to be a rather depressing dinner companion, aren't I?"

  He smiled. "Hey, don't feel sorry. I haven't exactly talked to anyone about this and it helps."

  "Haven't you? See, here's another thing about you men. Why is it so hard for you guys to talk about your feelings?"

  Zach continued his conversation with Nicky, grateful for the distraction she provided. The next time he glanced over at Rebecca, the four of them were leaving the restaurant.

  And Alix's hand was on the small of Rebecca's back.

  He couldn't help but feel that he was already too late.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  Rebecca tried to keep her happy face, but as soon as they walked out and no one was looking directly at her, she dropped her smile.

  Some woman had just tried to pick up Zach. And he seemed to be enjoying their conversation.

  She suppressed a heavy sigh. She really didn't have the right to feel jealous when she was the one who'd insisted on not taking things further at this time. In fact, that lady could be doing them a favour. It could clarify to Zach his feelings for Rebecca.

  But, oh, Rebecca couldn't understand her own self! Was she coming or going?

  She just didn't think she could survive it if Zach broke her heart for the third time. She still strongly suspected that what he was feeling for her was simply pent-up lust exacerbated by the romance of being on a luxurious cruise ship. She needed him to be sur
e that his interest in her would last past this trip before she could feel safe to expose her heart to him again.

  But at the same time, holding back and not giving them another chance was killing her. It certainly didn't make it easier when other women had designs on him. It was hard enough to swallow Vicky's flirtations, and when total strangers threw their hat into the ring, it rattled her even more.

  Sarah excused herself to go to the bathroom, and she decided to follow.

  "You okay?" Sarah asked

  "Sure."

  "You seem... preoccupied."

  Rebecca should have known nothing would get past Sarah's observation skills. "Do you think that woman who tried to pick up Zach was really pretty?" she asked.

  Sarah raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, she was really pretty. Why?"

  She shrugged. "No reason."

  "Well, I think it was good that Zach had company. He looked lonely sitting by himself," Sarah said.

  "Hmm," she answered noncommittally.

  Rebecca occupied an empty cubicle. She came out at the same time as the person in the next space, and was bemused to see that it was that woman—the one who dared sit at Zach's table.

  "Hi!" the woman said in a surprisingly friendly tone.

  "Hi," Rebecca responded in a less exuberant voice.

  "I'm Nicky," Miss Friendly said as they washed their hands. "I was sitting with Zach earlier for dinner."

  "I'm Rebecca," she answered, not understanding why the woman felt the need to tell her that.

  "Um, do you mind if I ask you something?" Nicky asked.

  "Sure," she answered hesitantly.

  "You're not with Zach anymore, right?"

  "Why do you ask?" Rebecca couldn't keep the suspicion out of her voice. She was starting to see where this was going. This woman wanted to make a move on Zach.

  "Curious, I guess."

  "We're on a break. We're trying to sort things out," she answered. That was true. And she sure as hell wasn't going to encourage anyone to continue flirting with her man. Yes. Her man.

  Nicky nodded. "Do you think you'd need a long time to do that?"

  Rebecca frowned, intense dislike starting to grow for the woman in front of her.

  "Sorry, I didn't mean to pry," Nicky said hastily, noticing her reaction. "I'll shut up now."

  Rebecca busied herself with drying her hands, not trusting herself to speak when all she wanted to say was something like 'leave Zach alone, you bitch.' But she wasn't into catfights.

  Even so, Rebecca found herself holding Nicky back with a hand on the girl's arm as she prepared to leave. "I want you to know that Zach wants us to get back together," Rebecca said in a no-nonsense voice.

  "Oh, I know that," Nicky said, smiling. "What I want to know is if you'll take him back. Zach isn't sure, you see. I kind of feel sorry for him. He seems like a nice guy, and right now he's really hurting seeing you with someone else. I wanted to help him, so I thought I'd ask you a few questions. I guess it came out wrong."

  "Oh," was all Rebecca could say.

  "Anyway, he said he was going back to his room to drown his sorrows. You might want to rescue him."

  Rebecca smiled at Nicky, her eyes watering. "Thank you."

  "No problem. Good luck," Nicky answered before walking out of the ladies'.

  Sarah turned Rebecca around to face her. "Zach told you he wants to get back together?"

  "Yes," Rebecca replied. "Can we talk about this later? I want to talk to him."

  "Why didn't you tell me?"

  "I was upset, and Alix was around. He told me when we were in the pool area."

  "Why were you upset?"

  "I was scared that he might only be feeling that way because we're in this romantic setting, that he'd change his mind again once we're back in Sydney," she whispered. "But I think I'm just being ridiculous. I have to go to him, Sarah."

  Sarah sighed. "Great. Now you leave me to deal with Alix. What am I gonna say?"

  "Tell him Magda called for me. I'll tell him the truth tomorrow."

  Rebecca hurried out, catching up with her heart, which had already left the bathroom to fly to Zach.

  *****

  Rebecca knocked on Zach's door, her heart pounding so loudly in her ears it rivalled the sound of her knuckles rapping on the wood.

  No answer. She knocked again and waited a while, but soon enough it became apparent Zach wasn't in his room. Could he have gone to one of the bars instead?

  She didn't want to wait until tomorrow to talk to him. After everything that had happened, she wanted to make things well between them. Now.

  She rang his phone, but only got his voicemail. Where could he be?

  She made her way back to the level where most of the bars were, hoping she'd spot him having a drink somewhere.

  After poking her head in most of the places she thought he could be, Rebecca had almost given up when she saw Vicky waving at her from one of the last lounges she was going to check.

  "Hi Vicky."

  "Heeyy! How's it going?!"

  Rebecca raised an eyebrow. Vicky was slurring. How much had she drunk? And who was she with?

  Then he appeared. Zach. Holding a glass of water in one hand and a beer in another.

  "Bec," he said with surprise as he handed Vicky the glass.

  "Zachy, I don't want water. I want another drink," Vicky said with a pout.

  "This is a drink," Zach said dryly.

  "I want another cocktail," Vicky complained.

  "I think you've had enough alcohol," Zach said.

  "Oh, aren't you sweet, looking after me," Vicky purred, running her hand over Zach's chest.

  Rebecca narrowed her eyes, wanting to swat Vicky's paws away from Zach.

  "Wanna join us, Rebecca?" Vicky asked brightly.

  "Sure," she answered, taking a seat. Not that she wanted to be Vicky's next drinking buddy. But she didn't want the woman alone with Zach.

  "Darling, you should get Rebecca a drink," Vicky said to Zach. "Get her one of those nice cocktails I was having earlier."

  "Is that what you want, Rebecca?" Zach asked, his expression unreadable.

  "Uh, yeah, thanks," she said, bothered that Zach had called her Rebecca, not Bec. What did that mean?

  "Zach's so yummy, isn't he?" Vicky asked, swooning and slurring, as they watched Zach go to the bar.

  "Yes," Rebecca answered, trying to stamp down her jealousy. She was glad Zach had made Vicky stop drinking—that was what any responsible friend would do—but she didn't like how he'd shown care to the woman.

  "God, he is sooo hot," Vicky said, fanning herself with her hand as she continued to stare at Zach. "I can't wait to have sex with him again. And I will. Soon. Very soon."

  Rebecca felt the heat rise to her face as she stared at her companion in shock. "Are you and Zach... sleeping together?"

  Vicky gave her a smug, secretive smile and nodded her head sagely. "I'm sleeping with Zach and Marilyn is sleeping with his brother Jeff," she whispered conspiringly, leaning close enough that Rebecca could smell the alcohol on her breath. "No one knows, so don't tell anyone, especially our grandmothers. They'll be all over us like a rash if they knew. Actually, I don't mind if they find out, but Zach will get angry. I don't want Zach to get angry with me. I want him to sleep with me again. And again."

  Rebecca found it hard to breathe, but she forced herself to relax. The woman was drunk. She could be making it up for all she knew. But she couldn't help asking, "How long have you been sleeping together?"

  "Let me see. What's today?" Vicky looked comical as she silently counted days—or weeks or months—in her head. "Zach and I have been having sex since... two months ago," Vicky said before leaning close to her again. "Rebecca, could I have some of your cocktail when Zach gives it to you?"

  "Don't you think you've had enough? I think Zach's right. Water would be better for you."

  Vicky pouted. "I'll have a sip of his beer," she declared.

  "You must have been here for a
while now," Rebecca observed.

  "Yes. Marilyn and I started drinking early. We love cocktails."

  "Where's Marilyn?"

  "She went to the bathroom. Oh, there she is!"

  Rebecca looked at where Vicky was pointing. Marilyn was indeed making their way back to their table.

  "Hi Rebecca."

  "Hi Marilyn," she answered, surprised that Marilyn looked totally sober.

  "Zach's getting a cocktail for Rebecca," Vicky said to Marilyn, grinning. "But I'll have a little sip of it."

  Marilyn rolled her eyes. "Remind me to never go drinking with you again. You have no self-control, woman!"

  Vicky laughed. "Yes. I also don't have any self-control in bed. That's why I give Zach the time of his life."

  Rebecca froze at the picture that popped into her head.

  "Vicky!" Marilyn cried, giving her friend a warning look.

  "Don't worry. Rebecca already knows about me and Zach, and you and Jeff."

  Marilyn whipped her head toward Rebecca. "How did you know?"

  "She just told me," Rebecca responded dryly.

  Marilyn shook her head as she rolled her eyes again. "Don't tell anyone, please, Rebecca? The brothers are very set on keeping their personal affairs quiet. They don't want their private lives plastered all over the magazines."

  "Then someone has to make sure Vicky doesn't go drinking with loose-tongued people," Rebecca said, trying to contain her snark as she stood up. "I'm gonna head off now."

  "What about your cocktail?" Vicky whined.

  Rebecca was about to say 'you can have it' when something occurred to her. By leaving now, she was effectively saying that Vicky could have Zach. Damn it, no. Zach was hers. He'd said he wanted her back.

  "You're right," she said, sitting back down. "That cocktail's mine."

  "A sip for me?" Vicky asked cutely.

  "No. Not even a taste," she answered, not talking about the drink anymore.

  "You're mean," Vicky complained.

  "Why is she mean?" Zach asked, placing the cocktail in front of Rebecca and sitting next to her.

  "I want some of it," Vicky said with another pout.

  "Sorry. All mine," Rebecca said, taking big gulps of the delicious drink. She felt ridiculously juvenile, but she was beyond caring.