by Wynn, Renee
“That’s not what I want you see.”
“Really?”
“When I want something I go after it. But I didn’t when it came to you.”
“Why not?” She knew she shouldn’t ask but she wanted to know.
“Brent. Although, my brother might not believe it, I do care about him. I didn’t want to poach on his territory. But what happened between us changed the rules. You’re my woman now.”
She shook her head at his arrogance. “Just when I thought you were changing and you go say something crazy.”
He threw her a puzzled frown. “What did I say?”
“Hell, Nicole, stop talking in riddles.”
“I don’t belong to you.”
“Damn if you don’t.”
“Ashton Campbell Sinclair, until you come to realize that I’m my own woman and I don’t belong to any man, you and I don’t have anything else to talk about.”
She rolled her eyes and turned away. He reached and pulled her up against him, wrapping his arms around her. “You’re right. But you are also independent, pig-headed—”
“Pig-headed?” She swallowed the urge to stomp her feet. “You make me madder than anyone.”
“But you’re also intelligent and beautiful. I’m possessive. I won’t apologize for it. But give me the time to learn the rules.”
He said it with a straight face. Was he serious? He was an enigma. Would she ever get to know the real Ashton.
“There are no rules. It’s a thing called being equal and your own person. How would you like it if I said you belong to me? I don’t think it would go down very well.”
“You want to bet on it?”
Before she could say anything, he kissed her thoroughly out in the open where anyone—a reporter could see them. What she was going to say left her brain, leaving her struggling to breathe. Before she drowned from its impact, he lifted his head. While she fought for air in her lungs, he kissed her again. Damn, he was doing a lot of that today. Where was the silent vow she made to put distance between them?
His hand rested at the small of her back. “Ready to continue the tour?”
She nodded.
Leaving Muir Woods, their next stop was the Japanese Tea Garden located in Golden Park. The garden was a magnificent sight of landscape art, covering five acres. They strolled with their hands still clasped through the winding paths and bridges that took them pass an authentic Shinto wooden pagoda, a monumental 1790 bronzed Buddha and a miniature waterfall arched bridge that was breathtaking. A koi-filled pond rested beside a Japanese Tea House. Among the Japanese foliage, located in the gardens, were mass cherry trees, cedars and the bonsai.
A tear slid down her cheek.
“Are you okay?” A look of concern was etched on Ashton’s face.
“Yes, I was just remembering the trip to Japan with my parents.”
“Happy memories?” Concern was still vivid in his voice.
“Yes. They were happy.”
“Tell me about them.”
“What do you want to know?”
“Anything you want to share.”
She smiled. “My parents were the epitome of who great parents should be. I came late in their life so I always knew I was wanted and loved.”
“Yes you were. Your aunt took you immediately. Not every orphan is lucky to find a good home.”
“I know. My heart aches for the children at Angel House. Someday I want to be able to make a bigger difference.”
“You will.”
“Although my aunt is a free spirit and never had children, she’s a natural born mother. I was a hand full when I was younger but she never waiver in showing me how much I was loved. I can be stubborn.”
“Really? I would have never guessed.”
“Ha. Ha. Funny.” She tapped him on his arm, smiled and then continued. “Even though my parents were in their forties when I was born, they were happy about it.”
“Most surprises make people happy.”
She laughed. “I never fitted with the in-crowd. It wasn’t until I met Sally that things began to change. We were both products of our mothers’ late life pregnancies. Because of that common factor, we clicked upon meeting. I laugh more with her than anyone. She’s a nut but the best friend a girl can have.”
“I like to see you happy and laughing.”
She studied him. No stress was evident. “Where is the tough, cold-hearted businessman I have known since I was seventeen?”
His eyes gleam liked dark sapphires; his wide mouth looked tempting as he broke into a sexy smile. She caught her breath at its brilliance.
His strong squared jaw, nose, black brows and lashes were royalty perfect of a man of who came from good stock. Inhaling, she caught the familiar scent that wafted down to her nose, causing her to squirm and shift her feet. She wanted him with every fiber of her being, so much so, that the intensity frightened her.
“That’s the business me. With you it’s personal,” he said, moving a wisp of hair from her face.
The intimate touch caused her heart to beat unbelievably fast. Then he rested his mouth on hers.
“We’re in public,” she murmured.
He drew back a little and then kissed her again.
She tried to focus on not asking for more. Confusion warred inside her mind and then her flesh. “Why do you keep doing that?”
He lifted his mouth and murmured, “What?”
“Kissing me…I never thought of you as being a man who participated in public displays of affection.”
“I don’t care where I kiss you.”
“You should. There could be a reporter around.”
“So?”
“Weren’t you ready to slam the man we encountered to the ground for taking a picture?”
“That’s different. I wasn’t aware he was there. Now I know when I kiss you one may be lurking behind the trees. Are you offended because I kissed you in public?”
She shrugged. “No.”
“Good. Then there’s no problem. We can’t be around each other and not touch. The chemistry is too strong. Do you deny it?”
It was there and something more she wouldn’t identify. Surprising, his guard was down and he was approachable. He kept surprising her. She liked this new Ashton.
He seemed younger somehow today. Even though she would turn twenty-four in a few days and he was already thirty-four, the age factor didn’t bother her.
He constantly touched her throughout the day, placing small kisses to her neck and cheek. All of this made her feel cherished and she felt more comfortable with him little bit each time. Adding to it was the fact that she was in a semi-aroused state, causing heat to surge through her veins. She wasn’t too innocent not to recognize he knew the effect he was having on her.
Squeezing her hand, he said. “I’m waiting, Nicole.”
She blinked. “For what?”
He chuckled and entwined his fingers through hers. “Come on let’s continue the tour.”
Glad he didn’t press for an answer, she let him lead her along the path. She didn’t want to admit the connection between them. If she did, she would have to examine her feelings and that wasn’t something she was ready to do. Not yet.
After visiting Chinatown, they headed to one of the most famous tourist areas in San Francisco, Fisherman Wharf. Created in 1946, it housed many shops, restaurants and laughter. They found a small outdoor café. He ordered a coffee for himself and a latte for her.
She inhaled the clean air. “This has been a wonderful day.”
“I’m glad you enjoyed yourself but it’s not over yet.”
“Really?” She took a sip of the hot, foamy brew. “What else do you have planned?”
“Dinner.”
She glanced down at her casual outfit. “I’m not dressed for anything fancy.”
“You’re dressed fine for what I have in mind.”
“And what would that be?”
“Be assured it’s something you’ll love.”
A question marred his brows.
“You’ve been a gentleman. This is certainly different from what I imagined a date with you would be like.”
He grinned. “Ah. So, this is a date. I like the sound of it.”
“No, that’s not what I meant.” She backpedaled. “It’s just an outing. Nothing serious. No pressure. I didn’t mean—”
He placed a hand over hers. “Nicole, stop. Although, we’ve done this backwards, today is our first date.” He rubbed his thumb along her fingers. “You just beat me to the punch.”
“I’m not going to live it down, am I?”
“Maybe in fifty years,” he said softly, his gaze caressed her face.
“Uh…you ready?” Nicole stood abruptly, her heart pounding erratically against her chest.
He placed money on the table and rose to his feet and came around to her side of the table.. “Nicole, stop running scared.”
She stood, slipped on her shades and hoped she covered the confusion she was feeling. Brent told her many times her eyes reflected her feelings and thoughts.
“I’m not.” The lie sounded hollow to her ears.
He stared at her for a long moment. She was glad the sunglasses enable her to put a shield between them.
Chapter Nine
They arrived at a marina that docked many yachts and sailing boats. She glanced around at the scenery as they walked up the plank to another yacht that looked out of place in the bay, probably because it resembled a large cruise ship.
She turned to him. “Why are we here?”
He winked at her. “You’ll see.”
Nicole was exhausted from sightseeing but the exhilaration of being with Ashton out-weighed the tiredness.
“Good evening Mr. Sinclair, welcome aboard.” A man, who was around her age, kept his face straight and eyes trained on Ashton. “Everything is as you requested.”
“Thank you,” Ashton took Nicole’s elbow as she maneuvered the steps up to the yacht’s door. “This is Ms. Travis.”
The young man gave a half bow and she offered a genuine smile. “Hello.”
He blushed. “Ms. Travis.” He then slipped away quietly, leaving them alone.
Ashton slipped an arm around her waist and whispered, “It seems another has fallen prey at your feet.”
Confused, she asked. “What?”
He laughed. “Never mind. Come on our dinner awaits.”
“Ashton, I’m not dressed for—”
“Shh. It’s just you and me. We have total privacy.”
“What about the crew?”
“Not an issue.”
They continued down a foyer. “Is this yours?”
“No.”
She looked at him, waiting.
He grinned. “Not technically. It belongs to the company.”
The dining room in the stateroom was decorated in off-white and gold. The furniture was smooth oak and fitted perfectly with the décor. Their dinner was laid on an oval walnut table housing fresh flowers and very expensive china and silverware.
“My lady.” Ashton pulled out the chair and waited for her to be seated. He placed a kiss in her hair before seating himself.
Nicole settled back and enjoyed the fresh breeze coming through the wide porthole. Two waiters brought bottles of wine and poured the liquid into their glasses. Soft music played in the background. Nicole smiled her thanks before they retreated, leaving them alone again.
It was a beautiful evening with a serene calmness upon the waters.
The dinner on the yacht was a pleasant surprise. He had made a few phones throughout the day but she’d assumed it was business. She felt honored and special that he’d been actually making arrangements for their dinner.
The waiters came back and placed the food on the table.
She sniffed the aroma of the food. “Very nice.”
She picked up the fork and knife and cut into the delicate flesh of the salmon filet. A béarnaise sauce, one of her favorites, was in a small crystal bowl to the side of the plate. She spread a little on her filet, and placed a small portion in her mouth. She almost groaned with relish. She enjoyed the burst of flavors that exploded on her tongue.
“This is really good, Ashton.”
“I’m glad you like it. It’s a new chef that mother hired last year.”
“I commend her choice.”
“I’ll tell her you said that.”
Sweet silence hung in the air as they ate. Finally, pushing the plate aside, she wiped her mouth and sighed.
“You only ate half the salmon.”
“I know but I’m stuff.”
As usual he was staring, but this time his eyes held a tinge of something she couldn’t decipher. Before she could mull it over , his cell phone rang. He ignored it.
“Ashton, the person is persistent. Please answer the phone.”
Cursing, he hit the button. “Sinclair.”
He listened for a moment and then stood. “I’m sorry but I’m going to need to take this. I’ll try to finish as quickly as possible.” He placed a hard kiss on her mouth and left the dining room.
Nicole walked out onto the balcony, propped her arms on the rail. She leaned forward, taking in the dying sun moving behind the soft clouds.
She felt his presence and glanced over her shoulder.
“Everything okay?”
“Yes.” He came to her side and then wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her close.
Nicole leaned her head on his shoulder as they sailed toward San Francisco. The dim figure of Alcatraz, the historical prison that once housed the infamous mobster, Al Capone came into the view.
Along with the brightness of the lights from the city she felt different somehow as if today was a new beginning for her.
She lifted her head and glanced at Ashton. His dark gaze held hers captive. With a will of its own, she fingered his lips. His breath caught on a gasp at her forwardness. She knew she’d surprised him. He stood still, his breathing ragged.
Nicole kissed him and he let her control it. Finally she pulled back and smiled at the stun look on his face. “Thank you.”
“For?”
“Today.” She stretched her hand. “And all of this.”
“Is that the reason you initiated the kiss?”
“I’ve kissed you before.”
“No, I’ve kissed you. Why now?”
“I wanted to.”
“Why today, Nicole?” he stressed.
“The day and the moment warranted it.”
“Thank you…I think.”
“You’ve given me something that I can cherish.”
He sighed. “What?”
“Yourself.”
“You’ve always had me, Nicole. You just never realized it.”
Surprised, she couldn’t find the words to respond. The only sound to be heard was the roar of the yacht slashing through the dark, deep waters. Her emotions were riddled with confusion. What was happening between them? She had no answers as they stood in silence, watching the bright lights of San Francisco beckoning to them.
###
Nicole’s stomach churned as she turned off the teapot. Ashton had gotten comfortable in the living room and it didn’t seem as if he was leaving anytime soon. What was going to happen now? Did she want him to stay? They’d only been back at her house for fifteen minutes. Although they’d been together all day, she was now nervous. Who was she kidding? She was a lot nervous. This was a different setting. It was just the two them, without the bustling crowds or the crew from the yacht.
The calm and relaxed Ashton sitting in her living room wasn’t the brooding oaf she always thought him to be. Although, he was confusing and caused havoc to her emotions, she was drawn to the new Ashton she witnessed today. But, he was a confirmed bachelor, a player of the highest caliber. The women in his life were high-bred, sophisticated, experienced and older. She was none of that. Then why was he sitting in her living ro
om instead on a plane back to Dallas? She stared at the pot willing it to give her answers.
She felt his presence in the door of the small kitchen. He’d moved quietly. Funny, how she can feel him before actually seeing him. She stood at the stove with her back to him willing him to make the first move. The tension was palpable. Nicole squared her shoulders, took a deep breath and turned around.
There was no smile or question in his eyes but the tick in his jaw was there. He was brooding. He did that whenever something was on his mind. She tried to gauge his mood but every second caused the tension in her stomach to escalate.
“Are you sure you don’t want anything to drink?” she asked to break the silence.
He stared not saying a word. With a quick sharp movement, he walked out of the kitchen. She frowned at his abrupt departure. Now what? Foregoing the tea, she moved with stilted steps after him.
“Are you leaving, Ashton?”
Clearly surprised at her question, deep lines furrowed his brow. “Do you want me to?”
“You don’t need to stay. I’ll contact you.” He knew exactly to what she was referring.
There it was the mountain that stood between them and she refused to climb.
“When are you due to have your period?”
She couldn’t believe they were discussing her menstrual cycle as if it was something he did normally. She thought of the many women he’d slept with in the past. She wondered how many women had been in her position. Jealousy reared its ugly head and she didn’t stop to examine the reason.
“It was the wrong time of the month when we had…sex,” Nicole said, heat running across her face at the lie. She cleared her throat. “My fertile time had passed.”
The softness she’d witness that morning was gone now, dimmed by hardness. “Are you sure?”
“Positive. I’m not pregnant,” she affirmed. So he wouldn’t see the doubt in her eyes, she turned away from him.
“Will you look at me?”
Nicole turned slowly toward him. He stepped closer, lifted her chin and stared deeply into her eyes. “Baby or not, I want you to give us a chance.”
“Why? Because we slept together?”
“Making love was only a part of it. There’s more that I would like for us to explore.”